Blog masonry - CJMQ 88.9FM Local Eastern Townships News Page

Elyzabeth Diaga brings Queens of Rock back to Sherbrooke by popular demand

Queens of Rock returns to Sherbrooke this Saturday with a high-energy tribute to 40 years of women in rock. Created and performed by Elyzabeth Diaga, the show brings together music associated with some of the most influential female rock artists of the past four decades, including Heart, Pat Benatar, Blondie, Joan Jett, Alanis Morissette, Evanescence, The Cranberries, and Diane Dufresne. Diaga is joined on stage by five musicians for a production that blends powerful vocals with dynamic lighting, costumes, and […]

February 6, 2026 32

Featured

PEQ abolition fuels regional mobilization in Estrie

In this radio segment, host William Crooks speaks with Melissa Medeiros, founder of VIA Expats, about the local impacts of Quebec’s decision to abolish the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ). Medeiros explains how the removal of the program has created uncertainty for international workers and students who had planned to build long-term lives in Quebec, particularly in regional communities like the Eastern Townships. She describes the consequences for employers and institutions that rely on international talent across sectors such as […]

February 3, 2026 39

Art and Culture

Jackass Legend Steve-O Crashes into Sherbrooke: A CJMQ Exclusive

SHERBROOKE, February 3, 2026 — The energy at Théâtre Granada is hitting a fever pitch tonight as global superstar and Jackass icon Steve-O brings his "Crash and Burn" tour to the heart of the Eastern Townships. In an exclusive phone interview with CJMQ 88.9, Steve-O opened up about his first-ever visit to Sherbrooke, the evolution of his legendary stunts, and the massive news that has the entertainment world buzzing: the official return of the Jackass crew to the big screen […]

February 3, 2026 83

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Art and Culture

Matt Andersen Brings The Hammer & The Rose Tour to Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke, January 27, 2026 — Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matt Andersen has announced the Canadian leg of The Hammer & The Rose Tour, with a stop in Sherbrooke on February 12 at the iconic Théâtre Granada. As part of a 25-date tour across nine Canadian provinces, Andersen will be joined by special guest Mariel Buckley, the Calgary-based alt-folk singer-songwriter. The tour supports Andersen’s 11th studio album, The Hammer & The Rose, released earlier this year on Sonic Records. The album has earned […]

January 28, 2026 39 1

Featured

Airport fallout and city priorities: Mayor Bibeau on what comes next

In this segment on CJMQ 88.9 FM, Sherbrooke Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks with William Crooks about several key issues currently before city council, with a particular focus on governance challenges at the Sherbrooke airport. Following a critical report from the Commission municipale du Québec, Bibeau explains how the city is working with an interim board to stabilize airport operations, implement corrective measures, and safeguard the airport’s role in regional economic development. The discussion also addresses the city’s relationship with neighbouring […]

January 24, 2026 44

Art and Culture

XLTRAX DJ School Officially Launches in Partnership with Musitechnic

Sherbrooke / Montreal, Québec — XLTRAX is proud to announce the official launch of the XLTRAX DJ School, created in collaboration with Musitechnic and XLTRAX Académie. This new initiative is dedicated to inspiring, training, and supporting the next generation of DJs and performers. The launch event brought together DJ school staff, the XLTRAX team, professional DJs, artists, and potential students for an evening centered on learning, networking, and creative exchange. The XLTRAX DJ School offers hands-on workshops introducing participants to essential DJ skills, including mixing fundamentals, […]

January 19, 2026 51

Featured

After Legault: why the CAQ reset may come too late

In this interview, Bishop’s University associate professor of politics Jacob Robbins-Kanter offers detailed analysis following Quebec Premier François Legault’s announcement that he will resign and remain in office until a successor is chosen. Speaking shortly after the news broke, Robbins-Kanter situates the decision within the broader context of late-stage governments, declining public trust, and the strategic limits facing long-governing parties. Robbins-Kanter argues that Legault waited until the final possible moment to step aside, holding out hope that opinion polls might […]

January 15, 2026 27

Featured

Snow, salt and small-town limits in Ayer’s Cliff

This interview features Ayer’s Cliff Mayor Alec Van Zuiden responding to public concerns after sandy, salty snow was pushed toward the lake during recent winter road-clearing operations along Route 141. The issue gained attention following photos shared by residents on social media, raising questions about environmental impact, accountability, and jurisdiction. In the conversation, Van Zuiden explains that the stretch of road in question falls under the responsibility of the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ), not the municipality. He outlines […]

January 13, 2026 33

Featured

New details emerge in Eastern Townships police pursuit

This audio report examines new developments following a multi-kilometre police pursuit that moved through several Eastern Townships communities and ended with an arrest on Sherbrooke municipal territory. The report brings together verified information from the Sûreté du Québec and Quebec court administration officials to clarify what is currently known about the incident, which initially unfolded with limited public details and no named suspect. Court officials have since identified the accused as Christian Gagnon and confirmed that he appeared before the […]

January 12, 2026 53