Homegrown Cafe


Homegrown Cafe was a local-talent show that aired on CJOH in Ottawa, during the 1980s and 1990s. It showcased much of the city's talented youth and adults, some of whom went on to pursue professional careers.
The show was hosted by J.J. Clarke.
Auspicious guests included Vankleek Hill act the Bushmen, Sharon Proulx, Andi Harden, Kareena Dainty-Edward, Eva Avila, Julie Dainty, Chris Dainty and others.
Other notable performers were Amanda Wilkinson, Leanne and Kelly Slade Leah Gordon and Stephanie Cadman and Ryan Gosling. Hollywood actor and award winner and Canada's first Canadian Idol winner "Ryan Malcolm".
In 1998, CJOH undertook a major cost cutting endeavor, which included a severe reduction in local programming, during which Homegrown Cafe was cancelled despite its local popularity.