Red Around Town semi-retires, stays online

After 20 years and almost a thousand columns covering radio,  television, theatre, concerts and Vancouver media in general, I’m lightening my workload. Red Around Town is “retiring” from TVWeek magazine. It has been an honor to write each week.

My replacement at TVWeek is Fred Lee, who among his many assignments, is the society editor of The National Post in Vancouver.  Fred is a great guy who will bring his own special talents to the pages of the magazine.

Red Around Town will continue here on redrobinson.com — in a slightly more relaxed format than the weekly TVWeek schedule. Hey, don’t forget I’m semi-retired here!

Here’s the latest radio news: Jon McComb has just inked a new five year contract with CKNW. The veteran talk show host is pleased to be able to continue with his program and now has the security of a long term contract… Sad to hear of the passing of Vic Waters, which we highlighted here a week ago.  Now comes word that former CHAN-TV producer Geoff Theobald has passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease.  Geoff produced many game shows at the channel and was an incredibly talented  man when it came to creating television commercials.  I always felt that he was one of the great unsung heroes in our industry. He was 74… Rumors have it that Fred Latremouille may be moving to P.E.I. and selling his beachfront home in Tsawwassen. He would retain his getaway in Hawaii where he resides six months of the year…  My spies tell me that Dave McCormick and Dal Richards will resurface at CISL AM 650 in the fall.  Dal’s Place was an integral part of 600 AM which will go dark in November. Dave was part of the mix of the station with his usual casual style and great music. There was no room for these two on the new format of the station which is moving to FM. Much of the programming will be headed up by Tamara Stanners, new assistant program director at the station… On the concert scene, a busy September! Coming up at the Red Robinson Show Theatre: Al Green September 7, Russell Peters September 12, Huey Lewis & The News September 13, Grand Funk September 19… At the River Rock: Dr. Hook featuring Ray Sawyer September 5, Al Green September 6, Russell Peters September 11, Petula Clark September 19… At the Orpheum: The Black Crowes September 4, Carol Burnett September 19, Alicia Keys September 21 &22… At General Motors Place: Backstreet Boys September 4, Santana September 7, Janet Jackson September 10, Neil Diamond September 20.