This Saturday Nov 7th at noon, during the final week of Funding Drive, “The Back 40” will celebrate its 30th year on CKCU. Co-founded in 1990 by program hosts Bill Grant, Dave deJongh and Doug Torrance, the show was conceived as one that would feature several dimensions of country music, including “old-tyme/hillbilly” (Bill Grant), Nashville – Grand Old Opry stars (Doug Torrance), and bluegrass music (Dave deJongh).
Having taken over the reins in 1993, Ron Moores has continued to host the show. While continuing the root traditions of “Back 40”, Ron has focused on interviews with local and area musicians and with bluegrass artists throughout North America. In addition, Ron has forged close ties with country and bluegrass festival organizers and with the Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Association that continues to serve the bluegrass community throughout the Ottawa Valley. Ron is also 5 x winner of the Central Canada Bluegrass Association’s “DJ of the Year Award” and an inductee into its Hall of Honour.
Featured on Saturday’s broadcast will be music and interviews with two of the three founders of the Back 40 (who are Dave deJongh and Doug Torrance, both of whom were program hosts at CKCU; Bill Grant passed away in 1993), along with listeners and with the Treasurer of both the Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Music Association and the South Grenville Bluegrass Festival, who is David Porter.