As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, Conrad Grebel University College hosted <em>An Evening with Bruce Cockburn</em> in the Hagey Hall Theatre last Thursday. Cockburn played a number of songs spanning his long and illustrious career over the course of the performance, including several new songs from his 31st and most recent album, <em>Small Source of Comfort</em>, released in 2011.
Cockburn was born in Ottawa and spent most of his life living in Ontario before moving south to be with his family a few years ago. One of Canada’s most decorated folk music singer-songwriters, his career spans over 40 years and includes numerous accomplishments. Cockburn is the winner of 13 Juno awards, has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and was made an officer in the Order of Canada in 2002.
Known not only for his music but also for his humanitarian efforts, Cockburn has long been an advocate for social justice worldwide, including visits to Nepal, Mozambique, and Baghdad over the years.
Starting his Canadian Winter 2014 tour here at UW, Cockburn played to a sold out crowd of fans young and old. Playing without a backing band, as per usual, he did not disappoint.
Whether wowing the packed house with his guitar prowess on several instrumental songs, engaging the crowd to sing along to “Wondering Where the Lions Are,” or playing the original version of “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” (most famously known via the Barenaked Ladies cover), the show had something for everyone in attendance — well worth the price of admission.
As for what’s next for the world-travelling Cockburn, we can only wait and see. One thing is for sure though: whatever he comes up with, it’s sure to be gold.
