Plenty of things can create a sense of community, but not all have the unifying passion which music can instill.
A pair of Richmond musicians Brad Kilburn and Cherelle Jardine have seen the effect the gift of song and sound can have on the masses as their performances and events have drawn crowds seeking more than just the music, but a sense of kinship as well.
Kilburn, a former bassist with Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, got his start in music during the 1970s at age 12 when he formed a popular local band called Thor with James Whiteside elementary school pals Jimmy Coletsis (guitar) and Martin Tanaka (drums).
The group reunited in January for a single show, and the experience of playing a packed hall after so many years struck some interesting notes.
It was really about the people, Kilburn said. The band was just kinda like something that helps get people back together. And our show was really like a big, high school reunion, more or less. There was a span of people who had graduated between about 1973 or 1974 to 1984 and 1985. All these people hadnt seen each other for a long period of time, but got back together because of this shared experience they had of seeing us play in the past.
It was similar to the effect social media can have on a community, Kilburn added, referring to the Facebook group You grew up in Richmond, BC if you remember which also played a role in promoting Thors repeat performance. But there is no discounting the powerful effect personal interaction can have to link people.
It really is. Because, for as much as something like Facebook, will put out the word, really its about old neighbourhoods and people connecting, Kilburn said. Plus, its kinda nice to come back and do the same things you used to do when you were a teenager.
And part of that was attending the jam session nights at the Pumphouse Pub where early this year the seeds of the Thor reunion gig were sown.
The Sunday nights bring out musicians of all talent levels, Kilburn said, adding the make up of the crowd there is a good cross section of the community convening to take in the music.
Its been going on for about 12 years, Kilburn said. Theres all kinds of people there.
When I used to play years and years ago it was a different type of crowd. Maybe part of it, too, is that its a pub where everyone from the neighbourhood shows up. And its not just a young mans game anymore. Its all ages gathering at a place to socialize.
For singer/songwriter Jardine, who organized Richmonds successful Musical Expressions Series that ran for seven years and concluded in 2011, the draw of music brought out a loyal, music-loving community.
It was something that people really loved, and it did bring the community together, Jardine said.
While at the outset getting word out about the series was difficult, a following soon grew.
Absolutely. Theres a huge music-loving community in Richmond that you dont really see, Jardine said. Every month, people really enjoyed it, and thered be a group who hung out afterwards to talk.
People still talk about it when they see me on the street. They say Why did you stop? I still get requests, emails and phone calls all the time.
Civic funding cuts were the reason for the series ending, but the excitement it created was long-lasting and not a surprise to Jardine.
To get a similar series back up and playing would require some significant sponsorship, she added.
But you never know. I might think about it. My own career is pretty busy. Theres always hope.
