Sep 1, 2016

One world, one voice, one day MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason     • Without fail, the Playing For Change website makes me feel good. Most often it gives me goose bumps, but it’s always (in all ways) a joyful, uplifting experience. There’s no better time to feel this yourself than on September 24 when a global community gathers and unites – through...

Jan 1, 2016

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason • The world is awash in opinions on immigration – to say nothing of millions of tragically desperate refugees – and heated debate about citizenship, much of it spilling over from the “Excited States.” One contribution most worthy of attention and repeat listening hails from the deep, musically iconic cradle and melting pot...

Dec 1, 2015

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason • The long-standing love affair between Leon Bibb and Vancouver ended when the legendary performer passed away in late October in a Kitsilano care home at the age of 93. He first arrived in his adopted city in 1968 as the opening act for the then wildly popular comedian Bill Cosby. From the window of a luxury Bayshore hotel room,...

Nov 1, 2015

New edition continues to empower MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason   • As you read this, folks everywhere are singing their way through thumb-worn copies of Rise up Singing. First published in 1988 by Sing Out!, this songbook for group sing-alongs has circulated the planet – including China and Russia – without the benefit of commercial publicity or...

Sep 7, 2015

Bill Henderson plays on… MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason • Bill Henderson has placed his fingers on Canada’s pulse, felt the heartbeat and found its voice. With his song, Take Back This Land, which he co-wrote with his wife May, he has struck a deep, but somewhat dormant, nerve and a chord that runs coast to coast. As we ramp up to one of the longest,...

Aug 1, 2015

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason • Hope you’ve had one or two transformative musical moments during this far-from-finished summer. One such moment occurred under the canopy of trees at stage 3 at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival when hundreds of highly appreciative fans soaked up the sight and sounds of Rising Appalachia (as in throw an apple at ‘cha) and...

Jul 2, 2015

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason • One of the most interesting, promising quotes I’ve been unable to shake this year is from Leah and Chloe Smith, two 20-something sisters who front Rising Appalachia. “We are building community and tackling social injustice through melody – making the stage reach out with octopus arms to gather a great family.” Blending and...

Jun 1, 2015

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason It’s here. Let’s get started; www.bcmusicianmag.com is your link to the 2015 Ultimate Summer Festival Guide. This amazing, free resource connects you to 348 music and arts festivals and events all over BC, with lots in Alberta and Washington and some in Manitoba, Yukon and NWT. You’ll find street fests, art walks, concerts in...

May 1, 2015

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason Warning! This story may be addictive and you’ll be hooked into wanting much more. Symptoms include clapping, shouting, dancing and jumping for joy. Frantically searching for unused musical instruments in dark corners. Craving and purchasing a ticket to one of the most satisfying evenings of your life. Feeling as turned on as when...

Feb 1, 2015

MUSIC RISING by Bruce Mason Winter festivals, like winter gardens, can flourish here on the west coast and, to put it mildly, they’re quite unlike other winter celebrations throughout the rest of Canada. Two of the best-known and much-loved local varieties – Winterruption and Festival du Bois – have grown steadily over the years and having reached maturity...