Tuesday night at the Jazz Room was a unique event inviting Waterloo Region Greens to “sing your politics”, and they did. We had nearly three hours of performances by fifteen talented local musicians.

The show started with a performance of an indigenous song about the land—a musical land acknowledgement. Jesse’s drumming and vocals send chills down our spines, followed by some a cappella vocals later in the evening.

The unifying theme was “songs of protest”, with renditions of many of the classics, including Joni Mitchel’s Big Yellow Taxi, “Glassworks” by Philip Glass, “Things Can Only Get Better” by Howard Jones, “What in the World” by Rory Gallagher, “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, and the “The Trees” by Rush performed by YYZ. We even heard a rendition of “5 Years” by David Bowie by Electoral District CEO Dave Dolson.

There were several original songs performed too, with local musicians creating their own heart-wrenching and emotionally charged lyrics, like Jakki Annerino’s “Peace on Earth” and “A Safe & Welcome Land” and Wayne Cheater’s “Oh Great Earth” and “Let’s Work Together”. We also heard Noah Stolee’s “Amsterdam”, as well a some of Andrew Mac’s latest songs, which really set the vibe.

We heard from Shefaza Esmail, candidate of record for the provincial Waterloo Greens with a background in environmental engineering and who teaches at the UofW. She helped shed some light on some of the many cultural and religious traditions experienced by our residents.

His turn at the mic, Nick Rollick introduced himself as a candidate for the federal Greens’ nomination. He’s knocked on 1,500 doors and talked to 700 Waterloo residents and reports that around a third of those he spoke to are leaning Green—that’s plenty to win in 2025!

All of the performers were warmly received by a friendly and encouraging audience.

Between the many songs and few speeches, petitions were signed, donations were made, volunteers were signed up, and plans were brainstormed.