Peace and Social Justice

We are in the 6th year of presenting our 60's Folk Revival show at the Free Times Café on College Street in Toronto. Even after all that time, it continues to be exciting for us as a band. Each show has it's own unique audience make-up and mix of songs, which along with other influences like what's happening in the world news, shape the tone. Sometimes it's a raucous party atmosphere and other times like last night, a "gentleness" prevails. I took that word from the comments of an audience member. That's not to say there weren't lots of upbeat songs and even some passionate commentary on current events, but the overall mood was gentle.

Over the past couple weeks several requests for songs from our repertoire were sent to us by people planning to attend the last night's show. We noticed a trend as the set list developed. There was a decidedly clear interest in songs of peace and social justice. Not really surprising, I suppose, given recent political happenings here in our province and further afield. And, we were most happy to oblige with songs like 'Blowin In The Wind', 'Turn Turn Turn', 'Deportee', 'The Banks Are Made of Marble', 'Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream', and of course 'We Shall Overcome'.

Interestingly, what's happening around us even influenced the meaning of other songs quite unexpectedly. For example, in her introduction of 'A World Of Our Own', Sue mused that while it may actually be a love song about a couple, in the context of tonight's theme it could easily be a wish for a world where people were kinder and looked out for each other more. All in the room seemed up for creating 'a world of our own' like that.

Here is the set list...

Our next show is in Hamilton is Saturday, September 29th, 8pm at The Artword Artbar in Hamilton and then we are back at the Free Times Café in Toronto for our monthly show on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:30pm. See you soon!