Hello friends,

We’re pleased to welcome John Gogo back to Birdsong Gabriola for a special evening of music and storytelling.

Coal and Wood is an engaging one-man show written and performed by John Gogo. It revisits the gritty mining and logging towns of Vancouver Island, tracing a century of life on Canada’s rugged west coast. Through haunting folk songs and stories from four generations of a Nanaimo pioneer family (1895–1995), the show brings to life heroes and villains alike—from the Dunsmuirs and the Finnish utopians of Sointula, to labour martyr Ginger Goodwin, the ghost of Clarence Ballance, and the infamous Brother XII.

A balladeer and actor from Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo), John comes from a deeply musical family and is known for his vivid songs about the people and places of the west coast—true stories alongside the tall tales. He has performed across the country in halls, theatres, festivals, and pubs, sharing stages with artists such as Willie P. Bennett, Valdy, Blue Shadows, Crash Test Dummies, Paul Kelly, and Fred Eaglesmith.

It’s a rare chance to experience this rich piece of storytelling up close in an intimate setting. We hope you’ll join us.

Saturday, May 23
Doors: 6:30 pm
Show: 7:00 pm
Suggested donation: $25 (cash at the door)
RSVP to houseconcerts@birdsongisland.ca for the address!

Warmly,
Megan and Brian @ Birdsong Gabriola