The Raw Diaries

December 26th 2024 – We broadcast a new recording of A Hot Box by Jay Hamburger – A Hot Box is a play written by Jay in the 90s and is a light comedic call to action inspired by his participation in the Clayoquot sound demonstrations. It is a call to action, and speaks to community organizing.A cut in half shortened version of the play was featured as part of the recent “Keep It Raw Cabaret” in November co-hosted by Jacques Lalonde. This new recording is the play in its entirety, lightly adapted for radio. It features performances by Yasmin Tayob, Giuseppe Bevilacqua, Brian Leslie and Jason Hunt and also features narration by Sylvan Hamburger and was directed for radio by Scott Broom.

ARTS RATIONALThursday October 31, 10pm - 11pmLive Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM Gerry Kowalenko regularly hosts interviews and commentary on the local arts scene. For tonight’s program, at 10pm, Gerry offers a special Festival hour – ”Ode to Jay” – to honour the late Jay Hamburger, longtime host with Arts Rational and the Raw Diaries on Co-op Radio. John McGie and Jacques Lalonde, two former Arts Rational co-hosts and super Jay Hamburger fans, join some amazing guests to celebrate Jay’s legacy in a very raw edition of The Raw Diaries on this memorable Halloween broadcast of the Arts Rational. The celebration continues on Saturday November 9 with The Keep it Raw Cabaret, a tribute to Jay Hamburger at the Russian Hall.

Tonight, April 12 at 9pm, we will broadcast one final new episode of Jay's radio program The Raw Diaries on Vancouver Co-op Radio 100.5 FM. The episode is a tribute to the late Jay Hamburger -  The episode will include his poetry, music he loved (inlcuding original TITR produced work) and an interview with Jay talking about his life with his brother Richard and son Sylvan. The Raw Diaries was created by Jay Hamburger and Laurence Gatinel and the Co-op Radio Staff and began as a pandemic project. The program aired for three years once a month and featured (often field recorded) interviews with dozens of artists, activists, and interesting original features, music, poetry -- all hosted by Jay. 

This is the second half of Jay’s interview with the “Gumboot Guys” released on the Raw Diaries earlier this month on March 8th in Raw Diaries Ep36. This is the final interview Jay recorded at Co-op Radio earlier this year and something he was piecing together for broadcast.   The hour will be hosted by Sylvan Hamburger and will feature the second part of Jay’s discussion with “Gumboot Guys” Paul Manson, Bill Edbrooke, Gene Logan, and Hans Elfert - four contributors to a newly published book “The Gumboot Guys”, a follow-up to “The Gumboot Girls” and “Dancing in Gumboots.”This third collection also chronicles stories and lives of another diverse group of young people in the 1970s who “answered the call of the sea” on BC’s West Coast.The program will also include a brief tribute to Jay from Sylvan, and Richard Hamburger reciting some of Jay’s original writings. This is bound to be an emotional one.Link to the First Hour from the March 8 Raw Diaries program: https://www.spreaker.com/.../the-raw-diaries-ep36-gumboot...  More info on the new book by Caitlin Press: https://caitlinpress.com/Books/G/Gumboot-Guys  

Tonight March 8, 2024 at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM’s The Raw Diaries – Jay will feature the first of a two part broadcast with interviewing four contributors to a newly published book “The Gumboot Guys”, a follow-up to “The Gumboot Girls” and  “Dancing in Gumboots.” This third collection also chronicles stories and lives of another diverse group of young people in the 1970s who “answered the call of the sea” on BC’s West Coast. Part 1 will feature excerpted readings from Gene Logan and Hans Elfert as well as a brief discussion/ reflection from Gene and Hans as well as insights from fellow contributors Paul Manson and Bill Edbrooke.The program will also features original poetry readings by Atma Frans.  Check out both Parts in the Raw Diaries archive in the coming weeks!More info on the books by Caitlin Press: https://caitlinpress.com/Books/G/Gumboot-Guys

Tonight at 10:00 PM on the Arts Rational, Jay interviews Nicholas Hamburger tonight on CFRO 100.5 FM on the dial. Nick discusses his published work, including his experiences while living in Marseilles and writing about the World Cup, his creative projects, and his current social work as well as his creative process and influences.Check it out live in the Jay’s Arts Rational and The Raw Diaries Archive: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-raw-diaries--5475001

Tonight on the February 9th Raw Diaries program Jay will interview Sylvan Hamburger and discuss a collaborative print-making project “The House of 9 Dragons: Community, Family, Heritage” featuring the artists Love Intersections (David Ng & Jen Sungshine), Sylvan Hamburger, in collaboration with the Lim Sai Hor Kow Mock Benevolent Association. The exhibition is on display at the Massy Gallery (23 East Pender Street) in Vancouver’s Chinatown until February 20th 2024. We will also feature original poetic readings by Atma Franz in her own voice as well as a preview of new music by Vancouver’s own Kevin Finseth.More info: https://massyarts.com/event/at-the-gallery-the-house-of-9-dragons-community-family-heritage/

Tonight on the first Raw Diaries program of 2024, we will feature a unique interview between Jay and Ivar Potter of the UK. Ivar is an 88-year-old farmer and hotel pub owner who relates some fascinating stories and agricultural anecdotes from throughout the 20th century. It is truly a ‘voice seldom heard’ on the radio tonight on the Raw Diaries.Also featured is the original poetry of Caspar Gell reciting original works in his own voice.Join host Jay Hamburger tonight at 9:00 pm for the January Raw Diaries program and CFRO 100.5 FM Vancouver Co-op Radio.

Jay's segment on the Arts Rational November 30th features an interview with Patricia June Vickers who is discussing HEALING JOURNEY: ART OF PATRICIA JUNE VICKERS - now showing at the DAL SCHINDELL GALLERY, Regents College, on the UBC campus The interview also features some brief comments from the exhibition curator Bradley Clements.The show also features the original poetry by Roberts Creek artist Maurice Spira as well as a number of compositions by Vancouver based musician Kevin Finseth - composer of many original albums and one of Jay's personal favorites. Tune into CFRO 100.5 FM at 10:00 PM November 30th!https://www.schindellgallery.ca/exhibitions/2023/healing-journey

Tonight on the November 10th edition of The Raw Diaries at 9:00 pm we will re-run “Jack Benny Live at the Pantages” in honour of our dear friend Jason Logan Harris who sadly passed away October 2023. Jack Benny Live At the Pantages was written by Jason Logan. It was part of the original 13 Carnegie Radio Play Project of 2003 with a cast from predominately the seven-year Carnegie Theatre Workshop coordinated by Jay Hamburger at the time. We are running this wonderful original take-off of a 1930’s Jack Benny Comedy Show but set in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver by Jason Logan who sadly passed away October 2023. Jason is a missed talented actor, writer, musical performer of unusual and memorable quality.We also will feature at around 9:30 an interview with long time theatre in the Raw collaborator and supporter Donald Morin. Donald is a First Nations activist, writer, singer, filmmaker and former broadcaster at Co-op Radio. The interview was recorded late last Summer and we discuss many contemporary issues and observations from Donald currently residing in Edmonton Alberta.

On Thursday November 2nd at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM Jay will preview some more artists from the 20th Heart of the City Festival.Jay will interview members from the Carnegie Dance Troupe, coordinated by Rianne Svelnis. The troupe is performing a free show on Sunday November 5th at the SFU Woodwards. More info: https://www.kjdance.ca/now/ensembleJay also interviews Shon Wong and Elwin Xie about Shon's project: Once Upon A Time on a Chinatown Night - Shon Wong shares his personal search for family, identity and purpose, along with live music. A storybook come to life.More info: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/once-upon-a-time-on-a-chinatown-night-tickets-725898852007The show also features several original poems by Patrick Foley with poems of concern, creativity and hope for the Downtown Eastside.

Tonight at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM Jay will interview Ryan Sudds about his documentary Stop the Sweeps being shown as part of the 20th Heart of the City Festival on November 4th.Stop the Sweeps chronicles the violent decampments of unhoused people in the DTES and subsequent community resistance against the ongoing state-sanctioned violence and neglect. This event is followed by an informal townhall conversation moderated by the Stop the Sweeps team. Presented with Gallery Gachet Saturday November 4 at 3:30pm@ Carnegie Community Centre Theatre (401 Main St)At 9:30 PM, Jay will interview the one and only Flying Monkey Orchestra on the Arts Rational for the Heart of the City Festival . Features insights on how to grow your own horn from locally sourced plants and many rousing songs. Tonight on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5 FM.The Flying Monkey Orchestra will present their Evil Cult Singalong at MacLean Park on October 29th at 4:00 PM

The October 13th Raw Diaries program on CFRO 100.5 FM at 9:00PM will feature a couple of rare field interviews for your listening enjoyment. First we have a feature recorded in the town of Silverton BC with Robin McNabb, Jason Clarke, and Donna Terrill. This is a family of three pioneer residents living in a small town in the Kootenays, BC. As one of the smallest towns in BC by area, Silverton has an estimated Population of 209 as of 2022. When Silverton’s mayor Jason Clarke, Robin’s husband, was asked to comment on the fact that the census population of 185 at 2016 was the same as 2011, he joked that “no one is allowed to leave unless they find a replacement.” It’s an interesting look at life and issues in BC’s smaller municipalities. Then we have a feature with Marco Cornale of Fratelli Authentic Italian Bakery on Commercial Drive. Jay spoke briefly with Marco and Loredana of Fratelli about the bakery, its history on the Drive and more. A bit of levity in some troubling times folks.https://coopradio.org/

Tonight at 9:00 PM on the Raw Diaries program on CFRO 100.5 FM Vancouver Co-op Radio we will feature an interview with Hugo Lentze, a retired US Army officer who has been working with a number of Veteran's support NGO's over the years. It is a fascinating conversation and a perspective quite unlike anything featured on the Raw Diaries before. We also have a feature from Lesley Burrow of Chipping Campden UK, who reads a selection of poetry from Emily Dickinson and more. Tune in live to CFRO 100.5 FM in the Lower Mainland at 9:00 PM or check out the CFRO Archives.

Tonight at 10 PM on the Arts Rational program’s 2nd hour, Jay will interview King Anderson of Hornby Island. King Anderson is a radio broadcaster for Hornby Island’s station (CHFR 96.5, FM). King Anderson is also a painter, musician and an archivist. Jay discusses King’s long history of creating works and impressive archival collection of art shows over the decades in Vancouver. There are also three poems read by a needed poetic voice Lucille Clifton (1936 – 2010) read by Richard Hamburger. The show also features music by Earle Peach and Kevin Finseth.Check out King’s youtube channel for info on his archival projects: https://www.youtube.com/@kingandersonartvideos84 Listen live: Listen Live:https://coopradio.org/ Raw Diaries/Jay’s Arts Rational Archive:https://coopradio.org/shows/the-raw-diaries/

The August 11th, 2023 The Raw Diaries program on CFRO 100.5 FM features an interview between Jay and Hornby Island Artist and Organic Farmer Elaine Savoie. Elaine speaks with Jay about growing up as a member of a pioneering family on Hornby, her unique colourful artistic endeavors, and pressing issues of water conservation on the island. We are also rebroadcasting part of an interview with Geoff Berner originally broadcast in 2019. Geoff talks about his musicianship and activism and plays a few memorable searing songs - live. Tune in tonight at 9:00 PM for a not to be missed and descriptive The Raw Diaries show on Vancouver Co-op Radio 100.5 FM or check it out in the Co-op Radio Archives: Elaine Savoie’s Art Work:http://www.redegggallery.com/art/elaine-savoie-british-columbia/ Geoff Berner’s Website:http://geoffberner.com/ Upcoming August 20th outdoor Festival featuring Geoff Berner:https://fb.me/e/zDNvkTno

Tonight (!) on CFRO’s The Raw Diaries program we will feature the second part of an interview with Alan Twigg – Jay spoke with Alan last month about his book “Out of Hiding: Holocaust literature of British Columbia.” This second part interview features more in depth discussion about Alan’s literary career and work in BC and support of other BC based authors.This episode also features an interview with Ken Pite of Lytton BC. Ken gives us an update on Lytton’s heroic efforts to rebuild after the devastating fire two years ago.

The Village Girl and the Frog King by Paul Beckett and Mia Zhou. Presented is a fable about a Frog Kingdom land where a cold-blooded Frog King rules over his people without compassion, only to learn the folly of his ways, realizing there are greater rewards in life than the mere the fear and obedience of his subjects. This amphibious fairy tale play is inspired by traditional folk stories, with some new twists. The play features a talented, colourful cast of performances from Paul Beckett, Alex Chisholm, Atty Gell, Ralston Harris, Irwin Levin, Kuei-ming Lin, Jewel Marshall, zi paris and Mia Zhou. Featured is original music and sound effects by Andrew Beddoes.This presentation follows the two live presentations in May of this year. The project has embodied the spirit of Theatre in the Raw, “giving exposure to voices seldom heard” since 1994 and we have been pleased to have so many talented performers as a part of our production as well as to receive so much support from the community for such original work.

This is the first part of a profile interview with Alan Twigg. Alan has been described as “BC’s leading man of letters.” Alan is an author and historian and a massive supporter of BC based writers. He is also a co-founder of BC Bookworld – an invaluable resource guide about BC books and authors.We speak with Alan about his recent book “Out of Hiding: Holocaust literature of British Columbia” as well as his career as a writer and publisher.Raw Diaries Archive:https://coopradio.org/shows/the-raw-diaries/More about Alan Twigg: http://www.alantwigg.com/

Interview with sculptor, activist George Rammell, and featuring some readings of original poetry by Atty Gell. Broadcast on CFRO 100.5 FM 22:00 May 25, 2023.

Tonight on the Raw Diaries (May 12, 2023) Jay will speak again with Susan Bertoia. Susan is a Vancouver based commedia dell’arte theatre artist, teacher and performer. Jay and Susan speak in depth about her artistic practice, method and philosophies. Susan Bertoia will be doing a Commedia intensive July 17-21 at the Italian Cultural Centre, in Vancouver. There are spots still available. More info at www.susanbertoia.ca The show will also feature a second part of an interview with DTES activists Naneek, Kaylayla and AJ about the aftermath and reflection on the DTES decampments in early April this year. These are fascinating first-person accounts as we try to discuss a positive path forward.

Tonight (April 14, 2023) on The Raw Diaries show on CFRO 100.5 FM on the dial, Vancouver Co-op Radio will feature an in depth interview with Rolf Maurer of People’s Co-op Books. Rolf is an instrumental member and manager of the bookstore and editor for many years of New Star Books. PCBS is one of the oldest operating bookstores in the city (since 1945) and the interview is a fascinating profile on the store and the hardworking Rolf.We also feature a brief selective interview with Naneek Naytowhow and Kaylayla Raine - two dedicated young organizers about their personal accounts of the recent April 5th “sweep the streets” decampment in the DTES. This will be the first of several interviews on the subject of the tent encampments on Hastings Street over the coming weeks with a number of concerned activists and advocates involved doing invaluable groundwork to help those people in Crab Park and the Tent City in Vancouver.

Tonight on the Raw Diaries program at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM we have a feature interview with Scott Sweeney of CHFR 96.5 FM Radio on Hornby Island. The interview was done in person on Hornby and we discuss the numerous benefits of community radio stations and also covers topics of waste management, environmentalism and more. It’s a community radio extravaganza on Vancouver Co-op Radio!More info: https://hornbyradio.com/We also feature a brief interview with Isin Can, who has been working to fundraise and bring awareness to the humanitarian efforts following the recent earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. There are several live music fundraising events starting tonight at Highlife records:More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/600043891634552/600043894967885/?active_tab=about Join host Jay Hamburger and crew for another episode of The Raw Diaries program tonight at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM on the dial or check out the March 10th, 2023 ~ episode in the Raw Diaries Archive: Listen Live: https://coopradio.org/

This segment on the Arts Rational features and interview with Painter and Butoh Dancer Thomas Anfield as well as some poetry readings by W. Ruth Kozak. Originally aired 2/23/2023 on CFRO 100.5 FM the Arts Rational - 10:00 PM

Tonight on the Raw Diaries, we are proud to feature the second of a two part interview with Alexandra Morton. Alexandra is an activist, scientist, writer and “renegade whale biologist” who has been called “the Jane Goodall of Canada.” We discuss her recent book “Not On My Watch” detailing how her work on resident Orca populations led to her numerous academic and activist efforts highlighting the damaging impact industrial salmon farming has had on BC’s wild salmon populations. It is a deeper look into the issues discussed earlier in January.More Info: https://www.alexandramorton.ca/not-on-my-watch/We are also proud to feature and interview with Ron Coghlin of Stein Valley Farms. We interviewed Ron last October in a fascinating interview on being an organic farmer in BC and the painful tragedy of the recent fires in Lytton this past summer.We also feature the original poetry of Pandora Ballard of the Tri-City Wordsmiths in her own voice!Join host Jay Hamburger and crew for another episode of The Raw Diaries program tonight at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM on the dial or check out the February 10th, 2023 ~ episode in the Raw Diaries Archive:https://www.tri-citywordsmiths.ca/More info: https://www.alexandramorton.ca/

Tonight on the first Raw Diaries program of 2023, we feature the first of a two part interview with Alexandra Morton. Alexandra is an activist, scientist, writer and “renegade whale biologist” who has been called “the Jane Goodall of Canada.” We discuss her recent book “Not On My Watch” detailing how her work on resident Orca populations led to her numerous academic and activist efforts highlight the damaging impact industrial salmon farming has had on BC’s wild salmon populations. It is an insightful look at pressing environmental issues here in British Columbia.More info: https://www.alexandramorton.ca/ Join host Jay Hamburger and crew for another episode of The Raw Diaries program tonight at 9:00 PM on CFRO 100.5 FM on the dial.

Anna Sagalova is an Honoured Artist of Ukraine, an associate professor from the Kharkiv Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts and a professional concert pianist displaced from the Ukraine due to the war. Anna Pidgorna is an accomplished Ukrainian-Canadian composer and vocalist. Jay interviews them to discuss their charitable concert series honouring Ukrainian Composers performed throughout the Lower Mainland recently. It is a must hear show if you have an interest in classical music and the rich history of Ukrainian composers past & present.We will feature four moving pieces of music throughout the interview.A. Sagalova plays piano pieces by Mykola Lysenko, Myroslav Skoryk -- both composers from Ukraine. A. Pidgorna has two original compositions pieces featured in the broadcast interview. One musical piece is featured from Anna’s song cycle “Keening Songs” and the other piece is Anna Pidgorna singing her own work in Ukrainian with the Turning Point Ensemble in a concert at Vancouver’s Annex in September.Both women are remarkably dedicated to their craft and are speaking earnestly about what is occurring in their native land. Their charitable concert series will continue in Toronto in 2023: https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../ukrainian-art-soirees-anna...There is also an added original biting poem titled Bare Chested and Still the Size of a Mouse by Jay Hamburger, recited for the show by Co-op Radio’s “The Poetry Guy.”

Featuring an interview with Dallas Gonsalves, director of the Gathering Place detailing ongoing community programsas well as five poem readings from Stan Fraser, Rudi Leibik, R. D. Stephens, John McGie, and Jay Hamburger.