In the heart of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, a quiet town pulses with rhythm and soul once a year. Nestled among vineyards, apple orchards, and the serene Bay of Fundy coastline, Wolfville transforms into a lively hub of culture, creativity, and community as it hosts one of Canada’s most cherished musical celebrations — the Deep Roots Music Festival.
This year, the atmosphere was electric as CBC Radio One’s “Mainstreet” went live from Wolfville, turning the spotlight onto the festival’s soulful performances, inspiring artists, and the deep cultural ties that define this region. As the warm autumn breeze drifted through Acadia University’s lush campus and the historic streets of Wolfville, radio waves carried stories, songs, and spirit far beyond the valley.
Here’s an in-depth look at how Mainstreet’s live broadcast became a celebration of roots music, regional identity, and the enduring power of storytelling.
️ A Live Broadcast Steeped in Local Culture
For those unfamiliar, Mainstreet is CBC Nova Scotia’s flagship afternoon show, known for weaving news, features, and voices from across the province into a cohesive daily tapestry. Hosted by the warm and thoughtful Jeff Douglas, Mainstreet is more than just radio — it’s a platform for Nova Scotians to hear themselves and their communities.
Bringing the show live to the Deep Roots Music Festival was more than a production choice; it was a cultural moment. With a mobile studio set up downtown, community members, artists, and festivalgoers gathered to share their experiences, play music live on air, and reflect on what makes Deep Roots such a resonant event.
As Jeff Douglas noted during the opening of the special:
“This festival isn’t just about music — it’s about connection. And there’s no better way to connect than live radio in the middle of it all.”
The Deep Roots Music Festival: A Brief History
Founded in 2004, the Deep Roots Music Festival was born from a desire to celebrate traditional and folk music in its many forms. Over the years, it has expanded to include:
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Folk and bluegrass
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Celtic and Acadian music
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Indigenous and world music
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Singer-songwriter showcases
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Youth performer stages
Despite its growth, Deep Roots has stayed true to its community-driven ethos. Organized largely by volunteers, supported by local businesses, and embraced by every generation in Wolfville, the festival is a masterclass in grassroots organizing done right.
What Sets It Apart?
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Venues in historic churches, town squares, and vineyards
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Workshops and storytelling sessions
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All-ages jams and participatory dancing
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A commitment to equity and cultural diversity in programming
Mainstreet’s Coverage: Voices from the Valley
Throughout the live show, Mainstreet amplified a mosaic of voices that showcased the region’s artistic and cultural vibrancy.
1. Interviews with Performers
From local legends to rising stars, the Mainstreet team sat down with:
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Terra Spencer, whose haunting lyrics and classical background make her a standout in Atlantic Canada’s music scene.
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Morgan Toney, a Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer who fuses traditional songs with contemporary roots sounds.
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Lennie Gallant, a long-time Deep Roots favorite whose songs speak to the ocean, love, and loss.
These artists didn’t just play a few tracks — they told stories about their heritage, songwriting process, and what it means to perform in a place like Wolfville.
“There’s something sacred about singing in a church here,” said Toney. “You feel the weight of history and the lift of community.”
2. Conversations with Festival Organizers
Mainstreet highlighted the behind-the-scenes work with festival director Lisa Hammett Vaughan, who spoke about the year-long planning process, the importance of music in rural life, and how they keep the festival accessible.
“We’re rooted in the land and in each other. That’s what Deep Roots is about.”
3. Audience Interactions
Listeners called in or joined live at the booth to share:
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Memories of past festivals
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Why they bring their families year after year
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What Wolfville’s music culture means to them
It wasn’t just a broadcast — it was a collective reflection.
Wolfville: A Town in Tune
Wolfville is a town with rhythm in its bones. Home to Acadia University, it’s a hub of learning, art, and agriculture. But what many don’t realize is that Wolfville has long been a cradle of musical talent, from barroom folk sessions to polished concert halls.
During the Deep Roots weekend:
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Main Street cafes became jam spaces
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Bookstores hosted poetry slams with live accompaniment
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Families danced in the square to acoustic sets
The community’s investment in the arts was palpable, and Mainstreet’s presence brought regional and national recognition to the town’s vibrant pulse.
Roots, Reconciliation & Representation
One powerful thread throughout the festival — and the live broadcast — was the deepening focus on reconciliation and inclusivity.
Indigenous Voices Center Stage
Mainstreet highlighted the work of:
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Mi’kmaq Knowledge Keepers presenting songs and stories
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Youth performers from Indigenous communities bringing fusion music
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Panels on language revitalization and musical preservation
The inclusion was not tokenistic — it was central. Festivalgoers were introduced to powerful cultural narratives that have shaped Atlantic Canada for thousands of years.
Workshops, Wisdom, and Unexpected Moments
One of the most delightful aspects of Mainstreet’s live coverage was capturing the unexpected magic that makes Deep Roots special:
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A pop-up gospel choir harmonizing on the steps of the town library.
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A fiddler teaching a group of 8-year-olds how to “tune by ear.”
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An impromptu tribute to the late Stan Rogers, whose legacy still defines maritime songwriting.
These were more than performances; they were intergenerational exchanges, preserved in real-time over the airwaves.
Radio in the Age of Streaming: Why It Still Matters
Some might ask: Why send a full radio team to a small-town festival when so much music is online today?
The answer lies in what Mainstreet represents:
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Local connection
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Authentic storytelling
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Real-time shared experiences
In a world of endless on-demand content, there’s something timeless about a live radio show capturing a community’s heartbeat. For those unable to attend the festival — elderly fans, distant relatives, former residents — radio became a bridge home.
️ The Technical Side of Going Live
Behind the rich soundscapes and seamless conversations was a dedicated CBC crew managing:
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On-site sound engineering
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Mobile uplinks and live feeds
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Emergency backups for unpredictable outdoor conditions
Despite power flickers and the occasional gust of wind through the mics, the show was executed with professional polish and grassroots spirit.
The Legacy of Deep Roots
As the weekend wrapped up, listeners and festivalgoers alike were left with:
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Songs echoing through Wolfville’s streets
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New artists to follow and old favorites rediscovered
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A renewed sense of what community music can achieve
For Mainstreet, the live broadcast wasn’t just about covering a music festival — it was about celebrating Nova Scotia’s heart through its harmony.
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Final Thought: Tuning In, Together
As the sun set behind the Evangeline Trail and fiddles gave way to crickets, one thing was clear: Deep Roots isn’t just an event — it’s an expression of identity. And in letting the voices of Wolfville spill into homes and cars across the province, Mainstreet didn’t just report on that expression — it became part of it.
In a world that often feels disconnected, it’s moments like this — live, local, full of laughter and song — that remind us how culture connects us all.
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