Hear Rod Simmons and his show, When Swing Was King, every Tuesday night from 7-8 PM

Are you from Kamloops? If not, where are you from and how did you come to be in Kamloops?

I come from Eastern Canada, born in Toronto, raised primarily in Newfoundland and Ontario, with a short stint in Calgary thrown in. My wife, Julie and I moved to BC in 1996 looking for work after finishing university. After a two year stay in Prince Rupert and another ten years in Prince George, we settled in Kamloops in 2008, where I have been teaching ever since.

Are you a community volunteer? How do you think volunteering at the station supports your engagement with the Kamloops community?

Volunteering with CFBX lets me stay in touch with what is going on in the arts community. As a musician and stage director myself, the station keeps me well informed through our public service announcements.

What is it about volunteering in general that appeals to you?

Volunteering allows me to use my talents to support something bigger than myself. It also gives me access to a completely different subset of people than I see in my day-to-day work.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of doing campus/community radio?

Singing, performing in various musical groups around town, reading fantasy novels, attending as much musical theatre as possible!

What is your show about? What would a listener hear when they tune in?

My show, When Swing Was King, primarily highlights the music of the Big Band era. This music is some of my favourite to perform. It’s nice to bring it to a potential audience that may not be familiar with it. I bring some social and historical context to the music, while highlighting the contributions of the artists to the development of the musical styles that followed from the 1950’s on.

What makes your show unique? Why do you think listeners are interested in your show?

There is nowhere else outside of online radio or podcasts to hear this type of music in the area. This provides me a definite niche. Anyone who likes vintage music, and the history of the Pre and Post World War II era will find tidbits of interest.

What does campus/community radio mean to you?

The ability to explore music that is outside the mainstream, making the unknown knowable to a greater number of people. Exploring a passion, always being ready to explore the next rabbit hole!

What shows at CFBX do you like and listen to regularly? Why do you enjoy them?

I am quite partial to Anime-d in Japan on Sundays from 2 PM-4 PM. The show is fun and informative. Jeremy is all over the Japanese anime and pop scenes. His love and knowledge of the material comes through on the air. I also enjoy Jazz Notes on Wednesdays, 2 PM-4 PM. Jim covers areas of jazz that my show does not. I find that both entertaining and educational.

Name an artist you discovered through your time at CFBX that you’d like others to know about.

I have discovered numerous Canadian jazz artists here that I never would have otherwise. My favorite find has been Cory Weeds’ Cellar recording label in Vancouver. They release copious amounts of new jazz each year – something for every jazz taste.

Is there a local musician that you would like people to pay more attention to? Why?

The larger community performing ensembles in Kamloops deserve lots of love. Not only do the players work hard, but the behind-the-scenes work by conductors, volunteers, board members, et cetera is often relatively unheralded. Kudos to the Thompson Valley Orchestra, Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra, Kamloops Community Band, Beyond Brass and the numerous choirs that keep the scene hopping through most of the year.

Do you enjoy attending live concerts? Why? Can you tell us about your favorite live concert that you’ve been to?

Live music is where it’s at. I have performed many an orchestral, jazz band and concert band show in my time. Nothing beats that. As a patron, I am particularly fond of musical theatre. I go a lot in Vancouver and Seattle, but the recent WCT production of Jesus Christ Superstar is the best quality work I’ve seen in Kamloops.

What do you hope to do with your show in the future? What direction do you see your show moving?

I think my show is going to maintain what it currently does. I try to mix the well-known material with the lesser-known tunes and bands from the Swing Era. I would like to increase my coverage of more modern swing groups as I acquire the music.