Gil’s Hootenanny ends with performers, organizers, volunteers and sponsors on stage, singing and encouraging the audience to join in the evening’s finale song.
This year’s finale song will be “Solidarity Forever”, a well-known anthem of both protest and hope, commonly sung at union meetings, rallies and on the picket line. The song has often been featured at the Hootenanny over the years. It was a favourite of Gil Levine, the inspiration behind Gil’s Hootenanny.
“Solidarity Forever” was written by union legend Ralph Chaplin over 100 years ago. Like many early writers of union or protest songs, Chaplin took a familiar tune, in this case “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and gave it the iconic lyrics that have become an anthem of the labour movement.
“Solidarity Forever” was often performed by legendary musicians such as Utah Phillips and Pete Seeger as well as contemporary musicians such as Tom Morello and Billy Bragg.
Gil’s Hootenanny will take place at 7:00 pm, Friday, May 1st at 30 Cleary Avenue, the campus of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. The venue is accessible, has ample parking and is serviced by OC Transpo.
Tickets for Gil’s Hootenanny are $20 . Kids are welcome to attend free of charge.