Comox Valley 4 Palestine presents highly regarded and prolific folk singer/ songwriter David Rovics in concert at the Abbey on Friday, April 25th as part of his Ministry of Culture “Make the Planet Earth Great Again” world tour.
Carrying forward the folk tradition of radical working-class songwriting as Wobbly (Industrial Workers of the World) Joe Hill and icons like Woody Guthry and Phill Ochs, David Rovics performs original “songs of social significance “.
David’s songs are akin to musical essays and analysis on the historical and contemporary struggle for justice, bridging the intersectionality of class war, climate change, capitalism, racism and anti-colonial indigenous struggle and Palestinian liberation.
Of David’s music, Democracy Now!’s Amy Goodman hails his work as “the musical version of Democracy Now!”
Often inserting a sharp wit into his songs, David uses humour to lubricate the imagination toward thoughtful social solutions with titles such as his new album “Deport the Billionaires”.
David will be joined by local guests Hawa with a short opening set. A new project comprising of Palestinian/Lebanese vocalist Alexandra Saidi, Destanne Lundquist on synthesizer, mbira, effects and Jesse Gentes on tombak, percussion, effects. Hawa meaning wind in Arabic is experimental folk music of the West Asian diaspora that the band labels as ‘Levant garde’
Proceeds from this event will support Sara Kashawi, a Palestinian-Canadian student and activist from Gaza who has faced unjust disciplinary action from Vancouver Island University (VIU) for her advocacy for Palestinian liberation. Despite graduating with a degree in sociology, Sara was handed a two-year suspension—retroactively barring her from accessing her transcripts—after participating in a 110-day pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. VIU has also filed a civil lawsuit against her, a move she believes is retaliatory and rooted in racial profiling.
Sara, who came to Canada as a child, has long been a passionate leader—from student council president in high school to a vocal advocate for justice at VIU. Now, her dreams of graduate school and a future in law are at risk. Funds raised will help cover legal fees, educational barriers, and advocacy efforts to challenge VIU’s punitive measures. Join us in standing with Sara and the fight for academic freedom, Palestinian rights, and justice for all.
"They suspended me for saying ‘don’t support genocide.’ How is that a threat?" — Sara Kashawi
April 25th, Doors 7:30 pm, music 8:00 pm $15-$30 or pay what you can. Tickets at the door and in advance.
For more info:
https://comoxvalleyforpalestine.ca/
CV4P@proton.me