CFAM Radio 950 continued its 60th anniversary celebrations this week with two free concerts, the first on Thursday evening in Winkler and the second Sunday afternoon in Altona. Golden West CEO, Elmer Hildebrand, says the events were a great venue to showcase the musical talent that comes from southern Manitoba.

Thursday's concert in Winkler featured music by the Quonset Brothers and Elvis tribute artist, Corny Rempel.

Sunday's concert included Laugh Again's Phil Callaway, offering inspirational reflection with a comedic edge. CFAM's very own Morning Show Co-Host Jayme Giesbrecht also hit the stage and shared songs from her debut album "To Keep You from Falling". Then a past Made in Manitoba favourite, Don Amero, took to the stage followed by Sierra Noble who is known across Canada for her fiddle playing.

Hildebrand says local music and local talent is a part of the fabric of the radio station and southern Manitoba as a whole, noting it is the choirs, individual artists and musicians that CFAM has been promoting since it hit the airwaves.

"Music has always been a part of the communities in one form or another and what I've seen this weekend is quite amazing. Most of the musicians, the people that we've been promoting over the years, they never do this professionally - a few do but most of them don't - most do it purely for the enjoyment and that shows."

He adds the two concerts were also a way to say 'Thank you' to a dedicated audience with whom he, and others at CFAM, have really enjoyed interacting with over the years. "They are the reason we exist, without them we couldn't do anything."

"It's so important for us to have programming on the air around the clock that's consistent, that's interesting and that's informative...that's really the reason, I think, we've been able to grow," he added.

Hildebrand goes on to say the fact that CFAM has been able to stay consistent with its programming over six decades, serving as a sort of safe harbour, is unique. "I don't know of any other broadcaster in Canada that has been able to do it quite the way we've done it."

Listeners have been sharing their memories of CFAM over the past few months and Hildebrand says many still distinctly remember when the radio station first went on the air in March, 1957 which he says is "quite amazing."

He adds the diamond pendant giveaways have also been fun to do for the listeners. "The sixtieth anniversary has been a very interesting process, not only for the station but for the audience."

Finally, Hildebrand had this to say to the listeners. "I'd just like to say 'thanks' to everyone and 'keep listening and we'll keep doing it for you.' "

Photos from Thursday's concert in Winkler.