Mapping the Current

Everyonce in a while I succeed in pulling myself away from a desk and a pile of books, in favour of being ‘social’. On January twenty-first, I ended up in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, not knowing what to expect and walking away two hours later in a completely different mood - a slightly more social one.

The artists who performed that night left ringing in my ears originality, peace, soft whispering memories and a lingering sense of inspiration. I am a songwriter myself, and though I’ll probably never perform any of it, this group of talents reminded me why I still engage in artistic endeavours. The goup came together for a day of writing, composing and collaborating that ended in an evening concert and the fruits of their labour put to life on the stage.

A mixture of folk, blues, classical music, which really needs a genre name of its own to be fully appreciated, delighted the audience for nearly two hours.

As striking as the music was, the Brandon Folk Music and Art Society, once again, managed to bring together the Brandon commuity from all walks of life. Students, professors, professionals and people from any number of places in the community were dotted accross the crowd. The music was accessible, tonally uplifting and reminiscent and transcended the boundaries and barriers that would have otherwise existed in a traditional concert or performance.

Highlights included a Bach Hymn reworked with Video Game addict lyrics, a tribute to Principle Skinner from the Simpsons - except he’s married so you might not get the reference. Touching, funny and even haunting original lyrics cascaded throughout the performance and while there were no programs and few titles, the crowd had no need of them and was wrapt with attention the entire night.

I hope they play more often and record, and I hope they show up all over the map.