Luke is like a modern Pete Seeger. From the moment he hits the stage, he has the audience singing about positive change. We desperately need that, and we need him on stages all across our country right now! He doesn’t back down, but he doesn’t alienate people either. He’s a perfect voice for right now.
— Doug Cox
 
 

Event Details:

Be the Arc: Singing for Collective Action with Luke Wallace

Saturday, June 6th, 2 to 4:30 pm
at the Tett Centre (Rehearsal Hall, 2nd Floor)


The Fiercely OK singing community is very excited to welcome Luke Wallace for an inspiring afternoon of collective singing and harmony!

Luke is a dynamic force in the world of folk music, using his talent as a songwriter, speaker, and choral arranger to champion environmental causes and inspire positive change. Hailing from the Coast Salish Territory known as Vancouver, Canada, Luke has been on a decade-long journey of touring, recording, and organising for the betterment of people and the planet.

In 2023, Luke took the global stage as a featured performer at the United Nations Water Conference, the first of its kind in a generation. With hundreds of concerts across North America under his belt, Luke has become a sought-after voice in the fight against climate change, spreading a message of hope and action through his music.

If you're in need of connection and inspiration as we find our way through these trying times, this event is for you! This workshop is great for experienced and brand new singers and will be full of songs about Justice, Ecology and People Power.

This is a participatory workshop. Come prepared to sing!


What To Expect

Come ready to sing, connect, and be moved! The afternoon will be filled with Luke's original music alongside a few songs by other artists. Luke will guide you through opportunities to sing along and explore harmony, all in a low-pressure environment that welcomes you and your voice exactly as you are. Participate at whatever level feels right for you!

Please note: There is no scheduled break. You are most welcome to step out of the room as needed to care for your body!


About the Workshop Title

The title of this workshop is taken from Luke Wallace's song "Be the Arc," itself inspired by one of history's most enduring calls to conscience. The image of a bending arc was first articulated by abolitionist minister Theodore Parker in 1853, who wrote that while the arc of the moral universe is long, his conscience assured him it bends toward justice. Over a century later, Martin Luther King Jr. wove that same idea into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, transforming Parker's words into a rallying cry that has echoed through generations of collective struggle. Luke's song carries this tradition forward with compassion and hope - acknowledging the heartbreak and weariness that comes with bearing witness to the world's struggles, while calling us back to our breath, to each other, and to the collective power of voices joining together. The arc does not bend on its own. It bends when we show up, lend a hand, and sing.

We will be sure to sing "Be the Arc" with Luke on June 6th!


Meet Your Hosts: Steph Drouin & Paul Barton

Steph and Paul have been facilitating community song circles together for over 8 years. In a world where everything moves so fast, and neighbours no longer know each other’s names, they feel the most important contribution they could make is to re-weave place-based community. Getting people singing is their favourite way of bringing people together!

Get ready! As a team of gifted space holders and song weavers, Steph & Paul will not only create an accessible and uplifting musical experience for you, but also an environment that is welcoming of your fierce and tender human self.


The Details

The Venue

This event takes place in the Rehearsal Hall (2nd Floor) at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning.

Parking is available in the lower lot adjacent to the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts for free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Parking in the accessible lot adjacent to the Tett is also free and for those with accessible parking passes ONLY. Free street parking is also available in the neighbourhoods north of the Tett.

This venue is accessible for most wheelchair users and equipped with accessible/gender-neutral bathrooms. For examples of the Tett Centre’s accessibility features—including photos, image descriptions, and additional details—please refer to the Detailed Access Notes for Cultivate Art Commons, located on the 3rd floor.

A Few Other Notes on Accessibility

  • There will be a mix of sitting and standing options, including chairs and cosy floor space. You'll be encouraged to honour your body.

  • Lyric sheets will be made available. We will use a mic/amplifier as needed to ensure facilitators are heard.

  • An emotional support person will be identified and available at each session, and quiet spaces for retreat will be clearly identified.

  • An Access Kit will be available, including stones from Lake Ontario for holding and grounding, sunglasses, earplugs, colouring pages and crayons, N95 masks, granola bars and cups for water.

  • We invite everyone to remove outdoor shoes so the space stays cosy and comfortable for sitting on the floor. You’re welcome to bring indoor shoes, warm socks, or slippers — whatever helps you feel at ease. If keeping your outdoor shoes on is what you need, no problem at all; we just ask that you give them a quick wipe with the towel provided. Outdoor shoes are not permitted on the Tett Centre carpets. Thank you!

  • You can find Access Notes for the Rehearsal Hall HERE.

No one turned away for lack of funds.

Accessibility is a core value of our community. While our suggested contribution is $30 per adult, we know that everyone’s financial reality is different. When you register, you’ll find a sliding scale so you can choose the amount that feels right for you. The beauty of community is that, where some can give less, others can give more, and it all works out.

If even the lowest tier isn’t accessible, please use the code PWYC to access our Pay‑What‑You‑Can tickets. We offer a limited number of these so that a few folks can join us at $0 if needed.

If contributing financially isn’t accessible right now but you have energy or skills to share, we’d love to hear from you. We have a couple of volunteer spots available - reach out anytime at steph@fiercelyok.ca.

Children

A limited number of child and youth tickets are available, so we ask parents and caregivers to reserve them only if this event feels like a good fit for their young one.

Young people who can stay engaged or entertain themselves quietly during the 2.5‑hour event are welcome. Pre‑crawling babies are also welcome. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents and caregivers are welcome to step in and out of the space as needed or leave before the end. There likely will not be a formal break.

There is no fee for children under 4. For ages 4-12, the suggested contribution is $10. For ages 13-17, the suggested contribution is $15.

If bringing a young, energetic human would help you attend, please reach out - we’re happy to find a way forward together!

Photo/Video Consent

Heads up! We plan to capture a few videos and photos to share the power of what we are creating with the wider community. Don't worry - we won't be zooming in on individuals (except Luke). Our goal is to capture the group experience. If you don't want to be on camera, please let us know in your registration form and/or check in with our camera volunteer. We'll make sure your wishes are respected. This is important to us!

Late Arrivals

To preserve the musical intimacy of the event, we ask that you arrive no later than 15 minutes after the start time. Thank you so much!

Wellness and Mask Policies

We ask that participants complete their own wellness self-assessment before attending the event. Please attend only if you are feeling well and have not recently been sick or been in contact with someone who was sick. If you are unsure whether you should attend, please reach out to Steph - we will navigate the way forward together.

Masks are optional and most likely will not be worn by most participants. We invite you to do what is most comfortable for you. We will have a handful of N95 masks available in our Comfort Kit. Please bring your own if you're able.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets are refundable up to 24 hours before the event. Please note that booking fees are non‑refundable. Because space is limited, each spot is precious. If your plans change and you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your ticket or let us know as soon as you can so we can offer your spot to someone else. Thank you!

If you must cancel your attendance at the last minute due to illness, you will be offered a credit which can be applied towards a future event. So please do stay home to keep yourself and others well. 💕

Payment Options

Credit Card:

You’re welcome to pay by credit card through Humanitix. Please note that booking fees apply. Humanitix donates any profits from booking fees to charity.

Fiercely OK absorbs payment processing fees.

Cash:

Select your tickets as usual, then enter the discount code CASH to reduce your total to $0. Bring your cash payment with you to the event.

E‑Transfer:

Choose your tickets normally and apply the discount code ETRANSFER to bring your total to $0. Send your e‑transfer to gifts@fiercelyok.ca (no password required) either before completing your registration or immediately afterwards.

Your spot is confirmed once payment has been received. Thank you!

Any questions?

Please reach out via phone to 437-344-5543 or by email to info@fiercelyok.ca. We're here to help!