Summerfolk’s official radio show Georgian Bay Roots is looking for a new host, or pair, to take over a monthly spot. The weekly radio show shares an hour of the music made and played in Grey Bruce alongside folk and roots music from across Canada and around the world. The show can be heard on 560AM CFOS in Grey Bruce, internationally on Blues and Roots Radio, and anytime as a podcast at www.summerfolk.org/radio.

“We’re a volunteer crew”, said Georgian Bay Roots founding host and producer Jon Farmer. “We each do one show a month and it's a lot of fun. After 6 years it's time for me to take a step back. This is a great opportunity for folks to step up and join the team”.

The show has been on the air since 2016 and was originally made possible by a grant that the Georgian Bay Folk Society — the organization behind Summerfolk — received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. When the grant ran out they worked out a way to keep the show on the air by moving to a volunteer model and expanding the number of hosts. The current roster includes Farmer, Kailey Jane Hawkins, Kelly Babcock, and Tom Thwaits. Georgian Bay Roots has produced more than 300 episodes to date.

Interested applicants have until September 3rd to submit an audio audition and a brief letter for consideration. The letter needs to include an explanation of who the person is and why they want to join the Georgian Bay Roots team. The audio recording should include a personal introduction as well as introductions to a couple of songs so the team can get a sense of the applicants' style.

“Each of our hosts brings something different to the show and we want to get a sense of who the applicants are and what they sound like”, said Farmer. “From there we’ll choose who will fill the monthly spot and coach them through the creation of their first show. We record our shows at our own homes and everyone does it a bit differently. All applicants need is a computer and we’ll help them figure out the rest”.

Submissions can be sent by email to georgianbayroots@summerfolk.org. Farmer also said that preference will be given to applicants who are from Grey and Bruce counties and who are familiar with Summerfolk. Interested applicants are encouraged to listen to recent episodes and can send any and all questions to the team by email as well.