What Is Birdsong? This is a lengthy answer, so I will try to keep it simple. The Birdsong New Music Foundation was started by a woman named Margaret Konopacki. She was the mother of a young artist named David Martin. This artist was dealing with mental illness and substance abuse and was looking for a way out. Unfortunately, he took his way out through suicide while waiting for help. This is not an uncommon problem, and Margaret took it upon herself to open up a dialog to change these staggering statistics that ruin so many people’s lives.

In her very creative way, she came up with a plan that can really benefit and inspire people who suffer with mental illness and substance abuse. Birdsong is an organization that allows artists who are suffering with a new chance at turning their story into a positive and radiant existence.

Birdsong is a foundation that allows artists to apply to make it to the next level of what they love to do. There is an application form on their website. I took this little clause off of their website that can give a struggling artist some security to believe that there is a place that cares about their future.

By submitting this application, you agree that the Birdsong – David Martin New Music Foundation can share your application with our Board of Directors and Music Voting Board. If selected, you give us permission to use your name, demo footage, and completed music for release and publication, while you retain all copyright.

I hope to speak with Margaret one day so she can fully explain her true vision for this foundation.

For now, I will speak of the experience of the show she organized at Lula Lounge. Starting off the evening was Mae Martin who is normally known for comedy, but tonight Mae was being a serious MC was on the bill. Mae was good friends with David Martin. Mae gave us some really cool stories about their relationship because she met Davis in School at the age of fourteen. I loved the story about Mae going to Nepal and being asked to write something important, that has something meaningful that needed to be manifested. Mae wrote down David’s name and three days later in Kathmandu Mae bumped into David. I love when magical moments like that happen.

Mae did actually perform two songs. One of them was David’s. The night started off with plenty of emotions. The audience was now in for a treat from the enigmatic presentation of Robert Priest. He sang a few songs and did a poetry reading called, “Gather up the Love”.  The audience were then treated to a brand-new song and video that really gelled with the spirit of the evening. This song is called, “Simple Human Kindness”. The message is simple and strong. It doesn’t take much to be kind. Just one moment can change the life of another person. I can honestly say I have witnessed moments like that in my life. Buying someone a cup of coffee or simply taking the time to listen can be a powerful moment for someone else. Here is a link to that song.

 We then got our first insight on how this foundation is helping our troubled society. Robin Benedict was invited up and started with the song, “Thank You”. This song of gratitude is a declaration to the support this artist received, who went through her personal hell. It is a song of hope.  I was very impressed by the power of her voice. It was strong and weathered and contained the ingredients of dark wisdom and the slow climb to higher aspirations. Her voice reminded me of Allanah Myles.

D.M. Lafortune was up next and performed the first song she ever wrote at the age of 17. She is indigenous and her songs are about reclaiming her identity. Songs like these will be written for a long time until we all begin to feel equal in the world again. One of the greatest days to look forward to is when we can stop singing these songs.

Jhmal King came on next and seemed nervous at first but as he dove into his song called, “Never Settle”, he stood tall and let the room know that he has become a bigger and better person by using music as his guide in life.

Ashley Bell was in a car accident and was traumatized to the point where music was no longer part of her higher being. Since she joined Birdsong, she regained her passion for music, and we are the benefactors of that. She has a great Country Pop sensibility and sang, “Best Advice”.

The evening took a dramatic turn and somehow Russell Braun came onto the stage. He is Baritone opera singer who has won a Juno with a long list of other awards. He was accompanied by pianist Carolyn Maule and together they performed, “Sure on this Shining Star”. This was truly one of those, “You can hear a pin drop”, moment. The tears from the audience were real and the applause was deeply authentic. Everyone felt some kind of blessing as the first half of the show was over.

Allan Kinney started the second half of the show playing a beautifully haunting piece of music called, “Little Boy”.

Dustin Harder who calls himself Prairie Soul, came on next and was possibly the most enthusiastic performer of the evening. He came all the way from Winnipeg and was in Toronto for about 12 days. He took this opportunity to play as often as possible and to make his mark in the city. In fact, he wrote a song the morning of the show and he performed it live. He even had the lyrics printed out as a memento for the show. His songs seemed to be a big hit, and he even got some women on the dance floor feeling his vibe.

Nearing the end of the evening, Satia came onto the stage and performed a healing ceremony with a healing bowl to bring the room a sense of peace and mindfulness. Then Russell Braun came back on to finish the evening with one of David’s songs called, “Pray for your peace”. Then everyone who performed got on stage and finished with John Lennon’s “Imagine”.

This was the first time this event was organized, and I am sure there will be more. I will follow this foundation and see who will join the next chapter about a dedicated woman who is creating a better way for people to survive in this world.

You can find out more about the foundation simply by clicking on this link. www.birdsongnewmusicfoundation.ca

Here are some highlights from the evening: