Day 4 - 294 -- Powerful Music

It was a day of juxtapositions. The sun shone and then it was grey and then sunny and then grey. Housework and course based work brought feelings of accomplishment, but also brought that unrelenting question "why". This, of course, led to frustrations today. I needed a long walk, but that aggravates the sore leg so will have to wait for a week or two. When checking in with a friend, she asked if I was going to the local theatre fund-raiser -- an evening of protest songs. That is exactly what I needed <smile>. The event was wonderful. Many local performers played and sang songs from different time periods. The new a cappella choral group from campus led off the evening, followed by many solo artists. One singer played his guitar and had accompaniment by a harp -- stunning combination. It was an intimate setting at the bar of the local live theatre venue. We sang along with many songs. I was introduced to many new songs and reintroduced to ones that have been around for a longer time. Some brought tears due to their subject matter or the sheer beauty of the lyrics.

The evening was cathartic. It presented an emotional release that helped deal with the stresses of the day. Again, music is powerful. Similar events occur almost monthly, so I will need to watch for the next one. There were so many wonderful songs tonight, it is difficult to pick one or even two to share with you all, but I tried. The first is by a Canadian singer-songwriter, known as a pacifist and social activist. She was born in Saskatchewan. The second was written by a Canadian living in Halifax and it has been sung by many different artists. Each song crosses between protest and peace. Enjoy! 

Universal Soldier -- Buffy Sainte-Marie

Last Night I had the Strangest Dream -- The Corries