The Jazz Factor

Welcome, Jazz Fans!

For a great array of local and international jazz performances across a wide cross-section of styles and eras, tune in to “The Jazz Factor” weekly! We’re happy to feature local artists and to share your local events. Though we make it a point to play as much music as we can with as little interruption as possible, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about anything you hear (or may wish to hear) on the show each week! Requests and dedications are always more than welcome!

In 2008, “The Jazz Factor,” which began as “Crooner’s Lounge Radio,” was created and hosted by local jazz musician RJ Johnston. The show’s name was changed to “The Friday Night Supper Club” soon afterward and, in 2017, the show became known as “The Jazz Factor”. In late 2019, RJ’s wife and guest host Emilia J. Strada began to assume a more prominent role and today the two continue to do the show together.

RJ is likely best known to CKWR audiences as the popular former host and producer of morning and midday programming between 2011 and 2019 — during which time he logged an astonishing 15,000+ hours of live broadcasting! He also significantly increased CKWR’s local outreach by bringing in additional local programming and programmers from across the community and by hosting and appearing in numerous local events; which he continues to do to this day. Though no longer involved in the day-to-day operations at CKWR, RJ continues to play a significant role in community building throughout Waterloo Region and remains a staunch supporter of the local arts and culture scene.