FOUR THE LOVE OF HUMANITY: Deanna Knight, Chris Ronald, Mark Fortin and Michael Friedman
THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2026 | DOORS AT 18:30, MUSIC FROM 19:00
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT
This concert features four accomplished local songwriters, all highlighting songs for hope, kindness, love and change.
Aout the Artists
DEANNA KNIGHT – A singer-songwriter whose genre-fluid soulsongs blend folk, jazz, soul, and roots music with themes of healing, connection, and care for the planet. Her solo work—spanning Shadow of a Star and Every Little Spark—offers songs for humanity grounded in authenticity and compassion. Between these two solo releases, Knight spent 22 years as Vancouver’s beloved gypsy-jazz chanteuse with The Hot Club of Mars. “Songs that speak to the contours of the spirit, not in a formally religious sense, but as incantations from the heart of a Divine Feminine – uplifting, impassioned, and inclusive.”
CHRIS RONALD – A “keenly luxuriant voice and immaculate songcraft” (The Georgia Straight), who has won him many accolades including a nomination for “Songwriter of the Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Since emigrating to Canada in 2002, he has developed a fusion of folk, roots, and Americana music steeped in his British background and poetic lyrics. In live performance, Ronald draws on his abilities as an accomplished singer, storyteller, and musician (guitar, harmonica, ukulele) to deliver a captivating show!
MARK JAMES FORTIN – A North Shore singer-songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist whose music is raw, powerful, and deeply expressive. His songwriting draws listeners into stories that speak to the heart and mind, delivered with an unmistakable emotional presence. A versatile musician and composer, Mark has also collaborated internationally, including co-writing with Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan.
MICHAEL FRIEDMAN – A Vancouver-born singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer, and teacher whose musical journey has taken him from Canada to Europe and back again. Known for his powerful three-octave voice and extraordinary acoustic guitar playing, he moves with ease between folk, jazz, blues, and beyond. His original songs combine thoughtful composition with insightful, heartfelt storytelling, creating performances that are both intimate and electrifying. As one reviewer put it, “Michael Friedman is one of the most stunning and unique performers to emerge from Canada’s west coast music scene.”
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