December darkens .Days shrink. As the outside world dims, an inner light sparks with velocity. Something in the soul quickens and kicks alive. We are at the year’s end but feel the seeds of tomorrow turning. Time to draw inwards to reflect. Sink into wonder. Gather gently together, without hurry.
Celebrate the play between light and dark.
During these long nights, our minds journey to far corners. We take time or, time takes us. Gotta make room for rest. Experience art that won’t quit, sing the songs that keep our hearts beating.
Support culture and creativity that is not diminished by the world’s turbulence & turmoil.
Songs to Sing in the Dark
This concert features songs full of effervescent light and layered darkness, and will weave between full choir and a trio, of Vancouver’s own Karla Mundy, community builder extraordinaire, and esteemed musical guests- Gideon Crevoshay (Vermont) who possesses transcendental artistry and dynamic powerhouse Kali Paguirigan (Colorado). We will also be joined by world renowned trumpet player Shane Endsley (Colorado) and fierce, fresh and soulful vocalist/composer Oleksiy Grynishyn (Vancouver).
The soundscape will travel through R ’n’ R’s signature mix of world polyphonies , from Georgia, Lithuania, South Africa, Italy, Corsica and Ukraine, Argentina and North America.
Conversation and relationships continue to thrive. Thinking of our friends in Cuba who are literally creating sparks in the dark as the situation there worsens and the power outages are daily and long, we have invited independent Cuban artist Yenly Betancourt to collaborate with us at this event with her astounding paintings. This series of paintings was born from her listening to this repertoire of music and being inspired to work together on a project that speaks of light and dark. Her evocative art will be featured and available for purchase at the concert . There are thirteen original paintings in addition to prints and cards. Her fiercely original work is created on canvases she makes herself out of toilet paper, plant material, flour and water. One hundred precent of all sales will go directly to Yenly.
In addition to this art project , we will be giving partial proceeds from this concerts towards Amistad ’26 which is a Canadian organization founded by SongRoots participants Wendy Knudson and Arlene McPherson that provides direct food aid to small communities in Matanzas and Havana, Cuba. The resources provided by Amistad 26 are created an enormous impact within these two artist communities. Audience members will have the opportunity to donate further if they are so moved and all donations will be sent directly to Amistad 26! https://www.amistad26connect.org/
We’d love to gather with you and waltz together as we traverse the world of light and dark through song!
Friday Dec 18, 2026 at 7:30pm
Canadian Memorial United Church 1806 West 15th Ave, Vancouver, B.C. Corner of 15th and Burrard.
Tickets available online and at the door based on availability
General Admission $25
Kids 12 & Under $12.50
Written Text Credit Jacinda Oldale
Original Art Background Credit Jacinda Oldale
Graphic Design Credit Michele Roger