Vickie has enjoyed several colourful and creative careers. Armed with an Honours BA in Drama from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, she first performed in summer stock musical theatre before joining a touring pop group. Eventually she formed her own country rock band, giving her an opportunity to write and record many of her own compositions.
After a brief stint on the business side of music, handling ‘record promotions’ for an independent firm in Toronto, Vickie segued into country radio. She was heard on 820 CHAM-Hamilton for ten years, in both the early morning and midday slots, and also pre-recorded a midday pop show for a sister station (The River) in London. She hosted her own television show (Showdown) and also found time to write for television (The Canadian Country Music Awards on CTV), radio (numerous specials) and a bi-weekly newspaper column (Country Corner) for the Hamilton Spectator.
Currently the morning host at www.wave.fm (Southern Ontario’s Smoothest Groove), and the newly minted Monday to Thursday evening host at Wasaga’s 97.7 The Beach, Vickie still loves to sing (pop, possa nova and jazz standards) and performs regularly with her fabulous musician/friends. She also loves to write and recent works include pop and jazz songs, a cabaret-style musical featuring the music of Rodgers and Hart, her upcoming autobiographical cookbook and a blog – www.wordpress.winesoakedramblings.com.
20 Questions for Vickie:
1. Biggest musical influence?
In my formative years – Carole King for writing and Barbra Streisand for musical theatre. Now, for jazz styling, older Rosemary Clooney.
2. Who do people think you sound like?
Diana Krall … although I think she sounds like me.
3. Ultimate duet partner?
I’ve been lucky enough to duet with some of my favorites – Chris Smith, Alfie Zappacosta, Ian Jutsun. Still to come (I hope) … Marc Jordan.
4. If you could live anywhere in the world, at least for awhile?
Italy. Then The Greek Islands.
5. If you could vacation anywhere?
Bora Bora.
6. Repeat vacation?
Virgin Islands (this time on a sailboat).
7. Favorite foods?
Good bread, good cheese (Saltspring Island Goat Cheese … mmmmm), salad and chocolate. I could live on these 4 things.
8. Favorite drink?
Red and white.
9. Favorite concert?
I like small, intimate venues, where you really feel like you get to know the performer. John Prine was amazing. Alfie Zappacosta is always entertaining. Marc Jordan is incredibly compelling.
10. Favorite backstage meet and greet?
Garth Brooks. He gave me one of his shirts and told me a blonde joke!
11. Favorite movie?
Sleepless In Seattle (hopeless romantic).
12. TV shows?
Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, The Tudors, The Bachelor. I watch most of my television on-line.
13. Best time of year?
Christmas … and summertime for flip flops!
14. Favorite up-and-coming musical star?
My son Sam. John Mayer … watch out!
15. Which celebrity do you most resemble?
I get Cameron Diaz all the time … and accept it happily!
16. Bucket list musical projects?
A CD of all originals.
A CD of standards.
Producing and starring in a cabaret-style musical that I wrote featuring the music of Rodgers & Hart.
17. Hidden talents?
Love to cook (and cheat at cooking).
Love to write (read my blog!).
Love to “share” yoga. I don’t really teach but I can show you both physical and spiritual basics.
18. Pets?
One Golden Doodle – Shiloh.
19. Fitness?
Lots of walking, yoga, downhill skiing.
20. Musical instruments?
Piano (badly), guitar (worse) and shakers!