When Gil Levine died at 85 in 2009, three words in his obituary, “…plan a hootenanny”, were the beginning of Gil’s Hootenanny, an Ottawa tradition now into its 15th year and getting stronger. Held each year on May Day, this...
Continue reading...2024
What is a Hootenanny?
Gil’s Hootenanny, Ottawa’s annual community singalong, celebrates songs of hope and protest with exuberant audience participation. While the word “hootenanny” may not be in everyone’s lexicon, Gil’s Hootenanny is hell-bent on reviving this form of entertainment for folks of all...
Continue reading...Annie Patterson to Headline Gil’s Hootenanny 2024
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...
Continue reading...Odetta’s “Freedom Trilogy”
Gil’s Hootenanny’s 2023 program included a tribute to Odetta by Ulyn Georgette. In this video clip, Ulyn sings Odetta’s “Freedom Trilogy” accompanied by musician and Gil’s organizing team member Patricia Reynolds. Enjoy!
Continue reading...Big Sing! 2023
On the bleak rainy afternoon of October 22nd, 75 of us gathered at the Westboro Masonic Hall for the Big Sing! 2023 with Evemarie Brunelle of Montreal. It was the third Ottawa Big Sing! (and the first since COVID) sponsored by...
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