Peter Thompson has been producing and hosting radio programs since 1975, mostly for CBC Radio (Canada) and CFRO (Vancouver) until moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1993. He’s been doing “Bluegrass Signal” on KALW (S.F.) since 1995.

Peter’s programs are often a combination of newer and classic releases, based in thematic presentations, and he’s a strong advocate of regional development — which means there will be plenty of California bluegrass as well as the music of other bands touring in his area. Peter tries to provide background and contextual information, and sometimes live sessions and/or interviews with musicians whenever possible.

Peter’s a member of the IBMA, California Bluegrass Association, Northern California Bluegrass Society, Redwood Bluegrass Associates, Pacific Bluegrass & Heritage Society (Vancouver, BC), and Berkeley Society for the Preservation of Traditional Music — and has served on the Board of Directors for the last three organizations. He taught media production at a Vancouver college for many years, but but gave that up to be a bluegrass concert presenter, M.C., record producer, road manager, publicist, and nanny — and to continue doing radio shows.

Peter, who grew up in Michigan and now lives in Oakland, says, “I discovered bluegrass listening to WWVA late at night as a kid, and fell in love with it later — the first time I heard the Stanley Brothers sing. The hairs on the back of my neck still won’t go down when it’s right. I hope that can happen on every show.”

Peter’s weekly hour on Bluegrass Country is, for the most part, taken from his regular program, “Bluegrass Signal,” broadcast Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm Pacific Time, on KALW in San Francisco.