I’ve been a fan of “The Vinyl Cafe” for more than 20 years. I own all of the CDs created during the long run of the CBC radio program as well as most of the books written by host Stuart McLean. When I’m out in the garden, putting away groceries or baking something special, I’ll turn on one of the old “Vinyl Cafe” podcasts that I’ve saved from when the show aired live and virtually. M and I faithfully listen to Stuart spin his wonderful holiday tales while we drive around the neighborhood on Christmas Eve, laughing at the characters’ antics even as we marvel at the lighting displays. We’ve even named our Wi-Fi network after one of the show’s fictional businesses (Wong’s Scottish Meat Pies).
While Stuart has been dead for more than four years now and his show has been off the air for nearly as long, his words and stories haven’t left my life.
Still, I was thrilled to receive an email from Jess Milton, Stuart’s “long-suffering” producer, bearing the news that the CBC Radio was bringing back “The Vinyl Cafe” and airing fan-favorite episodes this summer. Just thinking about the return of Dave and Morley, Stephanie and Sam and all of the other characters who appeared in these oh-so-Canadian tales filled me with joy.
So imagine my surprise when I downloaded the first couple of episodes of the podcast this morning, hit play and instantly burst into tears.
Oh Stuart, it’s so nice to have you back, even in this small way. You are truly missed.
