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Comox Valley 4 Palestine Presents Folk Singer-Songwriter David Rovics in ConcertAcclaimed artist brings “Make the Planet Earth Great Again” tour to Cumberland in support of justice and liberation
Cumberland, BC – Comox Valley 4 Palestine is proud to present celebrated folk singer-songwriter David Rovics in concert at The Abbey Studio on Friday, April 25th, as part of his Ministry of Culture “Make the Planet Earth Great Again” world tour. Known for his incisive, socially conscious songwriting, Rovics carries forward the radical folk tradition of icons like Joe Hill, Woody Guthrie, and Phil Ochs, delivering powerful "songs of social significance."
Rovics’ music serves as a lyrical examination of historical and contemporary struggles for justice, weaving together themes of class struggle, climate change, capitalism, racism, Indigenous resistance, and Palestinian liberation. His work has earned high praise, with Democracy Now!’s Amy Goodman calling it “the musical version of Democracy Now!” Blending sharp wit with profound insight, Rovics uses humor to inspire critical thought and action—evident in tracks like those from his latest album, Deport the Billionaires.
Local experimental folk ensemble Hawa will open the evening with a short set. The group—featuring Palestinian-Lebanese vocalist Alexandra Saddi, Destanne Lundquist on synthesizer, mbira, and effects, and Jesse Gentes on tombak and percussion—crafts what they call ‘Levant garde’ music, exploring the sounds of the West Asian diaspora. Hawa (Arabic for “wind”) promises a mesmerizing blend of tradition and innovation.
Proceeds from this event will support Sara Kashawi, a Palestinian-Canadian student and activist from Gaza who has faced unjust disciplinary action from Vancouver Island University (VIU) for her advocacy for Palestinian liberation. Despite graduating with a degree in sociology, Sara was handed a two-year suspension—retroactively barring her from accessing her transcripts—after participating in a 110-day pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. VIU has also filed a civil lawsuit against her, a move she believes is retaliatory and rooted in racial profiling.
Sara, who came to Canada as a child, has long been a passionate leader—from student council president in high school to a vocal advocate for justice at VIU. Now, her dreams of graduate school and a future in law are at risk. Funds raised will help cover legal fees, educational barriers, and advocacy efforts to challenge VIU’s punitive measures. Join us in standing with Sara and the fight for academic freedom, Palestinian rights, and justice for all.
"They suspended me for saying ‘don’t support genocide.’ How is that a threat?" — Sara Kashawi
Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
⏰ Time: Doors at 7:30 PM, Music at 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Abbey Studio – 3273 First St, Cumberland, BC
🎟 Tickets: 15–30 sliding scale (pay-what-you-can available)
🔗 Advance Tickets: https://comox-valley-for-palestine.tickit.ca/events/28770
Proceeds support grassroots solidarity efforts. For more information, visit:
🌐 https://comoxvalleyforpalestine.ca/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Abbey Studio, Cumberland, Canada
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