Singer-songwriter and legendary song leader Annie Patterson will headline the 15th Annual Gil’s Hootenanny 2024 on Wednesday, May 1st at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue.
Described as a performer who “could get a roomful of store mannequins to break out in song”, Annie has spent her life working for justice through music. She is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and jazz vocalist who is also known as co-creator, with her long-time partner Peter Blood, of the popular songbooks Rise Up Singing and Rise Again. Peter will accompany Annie on fiddle and guitar during the Hootenanny.
Annie’s musical journey mirrors the objectives of Gil’s Hootenanny to bring people together to sing out for change. She has a rare voice that spreads hope, stirs your soul and makes you glad to be working together for a better world.
Gil’s Hootenanny, first presented in 2010, is inspired by the legacy of Gil Levine, who spent his life working for social justice and was the founding Director of Research at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Gil was a lover of folk music and an enthusiastic supporter of folk musicians. He and his wife Helen hosted hootenannies and May Day celebrations at their home for decades.
Over the years, Gil’s Hootenanny has seen increasingly larger audiences who join the headliner and other featured artists in singing along with new and traditional songs of hope and protest.
Gil’s Hootenanny will take place at 7:00 pm on May Day, Wednesday, May 1 at the campus of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. The venue is accessible, has ample parking and is serviced by OC Transpo.
While in Ottawa, Annie will also lead a workshop focused on singalong tips and treasures. Details will follow in a later announcement.
Tickets for Gil’s Hootenanny will be $20 (plus fees); kids can attend free of charge.
Stay tuned for ticket sales and further information.