About the show

It may sound like I'm certifiable when I say there's something therapeutic about being up on the weekend in time to start broadcasting at 6 am - especially if it's on one of those occasions when I have just finished playing a gig only a few hours earlier with the band "True Country". However to me it's a brief respite where I can refocus from the rigors of being a Realtor and take some time to share the music that was such a big part of my youth with friends who enjoy it as much as I do. So many of the artists that we feature remain relevant today and you'll find it interesting as we catch up with their latest endeavours. After being in this business that I love since 1973 it's still a treat to be involved so expect to have fun when you tune in. Weekends are an active time so you can also look forward to getting up to speed with the talk of the town, hearing about what's going on locally, what is there for you and the family to do, what's the lowdown on new DVD's and what movie is worth seeing.
Don Kennedy hits the airwaves Saturday from 6 am to noon.

We have National News each hour from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. to catch up on the last 24 hours.

Get to know Don Kennedy:

Neighbourhood: Grandview Van East

Favourite Celebrity Interview: In my 34 years as a broadcaster I’ve interviewed people like Jay Leno, Bob Hope and Arnold Schwarzenegger but my favourite was Tanya Tucker. Our interview was for TV one evening after a day for her that included some 3-5 other interviews. At the time she was still relatively young yet a music veteran because she started at such an early age. Despite all this she was totally un-jaded and spoke to me like I was the first broadcaster that had ever taken an interest in talking to her.

Funniest Radio Story: At my first radio station where I was doing weekend mornings I followed an all night DJ who used to moonlight as a waiter and the rest of the day he spent on the ski slopes – in effect burning the candle at three ends. One Saturday at 4:30am he played a record that faded out to dead air and after unsuccessfully calling the hot line I raced to the station at light speed thinking he might be in trouble. Well, the only trouble he was in was the extremely uncomfortable position in which he had passed out on the air chair. Rather than consternation, I actually felt paid back for the morning after the night that I discovered tequila, and he had to hang in until I arrived an hour and a half late. 

Hobbies: Although I do see a lot of movies, I love music, whether playing drums with the band True Country or seeing live acts - especially seeing in a small venue, bands that eventually go on to sell out big arenas. These days I’m mainly a Realtor, but being on the air gives me the opportunity to share music with an audience that feels the same as I do. 

Favourite Thing About B.C.: The weather in Vancouver is my favourite thing about BC. It can be pouring rain and it’s probably a better day than anywhere else in the country, and sunny days are breathtaking. I enjoy it all the more because most of my siblings are here, which is a happy coincidence since we were all born in different parts of the country.

First Big Break In Radio: Being accepted at BCIT in the Radio and TV Production course. I almost got turned down again on my second application, but after I plead my case with the head of the department there was one more student in the class than they normally allowed.

Favourite Song To Play On 650 CISL: Resurrection Shuffle by Ashton, Gardner and Dyke 

Dream Car: A Harley

Favourite Beatle: Ringo (who else?)

If you have a question or comment for Don you can reach him via email at dkennedy@axion.net

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