tic

HOST OF: Wednesday Special Blend

YEAR STARTED: 1983

'tic'- a 35 year veteran of CKCU and a maverick within his own mind, provides his inherited ideas on public affairs and current events through his weekly rants,  special guests, and 'things you should know but probably don't.'  He's the vision and host of the annual Barnstorm Music Festival in Finch, Ontario, now in its 20th year. 

Michael “tic” Houston has dedicated more than 37 years as a volunteer at CKCU, contributing tens of thousands of hours to the station’s growth and community impact.

From 1983 to 1993, he spent an estimated 15,000 volunteer hours, often putting in 30 hours a week as a technical producer for programs such as Off the Pedestal, Let X=X, Children’s Half Hour, No Wasted Words, and Breakaway. He played key production roles in major milestone events, including quinquennial anniversary celebrations, co-produced the 1986 video documentary And Now A Pause For Station Identification, and collaborated with Skyline Cable for two live video funding drive broadcasts on Cable 22.

After a short break from 1993 to 2000, he returned to CKCU with renewed commitment. Between 2000 and 2022, he contributed an additional 6,000 hours, hosting more than 1000 three-hour radio shows. He also took responsibility for station upkeep, from shelving records and maintaining studio chairs to ensuring the windows reflected the station’s spirit with photos and posters. He assisted with two major studio renovations and participated in 20 more funding drives, bringing his total to 30.

He has also served on the CKCU Board of Directors for 15 years, including five years as treasurer. His work has always been voluntary, often at personal expense, reflecting an enduring dedication to CKCU’s mission and community.

Follow 'tic' on Facebook here; https://www.facebook.com/pages/tic/14716856419?sk=wall&filter=1

Visit www.barnstorm.info for information on festival line-up and dates.