Liz McKinney

Liz McKinney's "Retro Piano Lounge"

After three decades as a rock radio broadcaster, Liz McKinney is excited to return to a stage that feels familiar yet refreshing—one filled with live audiences rather than the confines of a radio control room. Now, her microphone is positioned at the piano, where she brings to life many of the songs that have resonated with her throughout her career on air.

A Journey Through Music

Liz's musical journey began in the early 1980s, prior to her tenure at CFOX Radio in Vancouver, where she performed as a solo act. During that vibrant era, live music flourished, and gigs were abundant. Liz graced the stages of well-known venues such as The Yale Hotel on Granville, where she played the grand piano during after-work hours, Mama Gold's in Kitsalano, Checkers on Denman, The Dufferin Hotel, The Avalon Hotel, and many others. Typically, she would perform five nights a week, captivating audiences with her engaging performances.

A Nostalgic Experience

Fast forward nearly four decades, and Liz invites you to join her for an evening of musical nostalgia. In her "Retro Piano Lounge," she shares not only the familiar songs that have shaped her career but also the stories behind them, creating an intimate and memorable experience for her audience.

Come and enjoy an evening filled with musical memories, celebrating the timeless classics that have connected generations. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her music, Liz McKinney’s "Retro Piano Lounge" promises to be a delightful journey through the sounds of yesteryear.

Liz Mckinney‘s sample song list

Sample set list
Stray cat strut                   Stray Cats
Candle in the wind            Elton John
Danny’s All-Star Joint      Rickie Lee Jones
We are the world.             USA for Africa
Wonderful World              Louie Armstrong
End of the world.              Brenda Lee
In the Ghetto.                    Elvis
Changes in Lattitude.      Jimmy Buffet
King of the road                Dwight Yokum
I ain’t ever satisfied.          Steve Earle
Cold shot                           Stevie Ray Vaughan
Sunday morning                Kris Kristopherson
Freedom for the stallion Bob Dylan
Stand by your man           Tammy Wynette
Make you feel my love.     Adele
I’ll stand by you.                The Pretenders

Liz McKinney's Story

Liz McKinney is a pioneer in Canadian rock radio and the first women in Canada to host a major market drive show. She was also instrumental in bringing live performances to the radio. Some of the more memorable live performances include Melissa Etheridge, Los Lobos, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Concrete Blonde.

Liz McKinney

Liz has a very natural and professional broadcasting style that is timeless.

Radio shows

1985 -1992 C-FOX FM 99 Vancouver afternoon drive

1997-2008 CKLZ-FM Kelowna Mornings then Drive

2008-2015 CJUI 103.9 The Juice

Mornings then Drive

Liz co-hosted a nationally broadcast 8 hour Canada Day 1992 radio show with Canada’s Ian Thomas. It ran live from Toronto and coast to coast with cut in's from every major radio station in Canada.

It was an epic broadcast never to be repeated.

Liz McKinney's Radio/TV Accomplishments

TV Movie

Liz stared in a made for TV movie call ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK which featured an inside look at rock radio. www.imdb.com/title/tt0347889

Syndicated show

Host of the nationally syndicated Coca Cola Rock 20 countdown from 1985 - 1994,

National radio

Co-hosted an 8 hour National radio broadcast from Toronto and coast to coast with Ian Thomas with cut in's from every major radio station in Canada.

Juno's

Hosted the Canada wide Countdown to the Juno's from the CFOX studio's in Vancouver.