"Ohsweken radio station opens doors"

OHSWEKEN - A special day of programming will mark competition of CKRZ's official move to Iroquois Village Centre on Friday.

Regular program listeners will be given one-hour samples of the music mix currently offered by the community radio station.

Programming also will include interviews with local singers, artists, advertisers and just about anyone who wants to be on the air.

"We want all our off-reserve friends to come down and take a look at everything we've got here," said Tom Morrison, station manager.

"Six Nations and New Credit have a lot more to offer than what they think."

Invited local musical celebrities include: Murray Porter, Mark LaForme, Grand River Bluegrass, The Breeze, Emerson Herkimer, Josh Miller, Painted Pony, Maneto, Derick Miller, Liz Hill and Becky Miller.

"We are their community radio station. This is a golden opportunity for listeners to put a face with a name."

Doors will remain open to the public to 11 p.m. for this special occasion.

Coffee, tea, Indian cookies, doughnuts, corn soup and scone will be available for guests.

Giveaways include calendars, CDs, bumper stickers, balloons and surprises.

Jan. 21st was chosen because on that day in 1990, the station, then known as CFNC, completed it first full day of broadcasting. Some of the pioneer participants included: Dewey and T.J., Gary Farmer, Dickie VanEvery-Albert and Linda Staats, Eric Hill and Bryan Johnson, Elaine Bomberry, Dee and J.R. and a First Nations' Jam featuring a variety of local musicians and vocalists.

"I want people to come and look at their radio station," Tom Morrison added.

"With their support through bingo and advertising, I want them to see what their support has done."

On Feb. 29, 1992, the station "boosted-up" to begin broadcasting in stereo as CKRZ at 100.3 on the FM dial.

The staff consists of employees and volunteers who also double as on-air personalities and DJ's offering country and western, rock 'n' roll, oldies, blues, jazz, talk shows, news, native entertainment and language shows.

Admission is free during the open house.

Our Town is an Expositor feature which provides a forum for news and views from some of the smaller centres in the region. Richard Green is a freelance writer who lives on the Six Nations reserve.