The autumn rain had just begun to reveal the chill and dampness of the coming season.
As I stepped out of my apartment building, raindrops beat steadily on the plane tree leaves, wind scattering the fallen ones across the soaked pavement in a messy rhythm.
I thought to myself, “No one will be out for a walk tonight.”
From outside, the Old Barn Community Centre glowed like a lantern in the dark, and a tree in front shimmered with light bulbs, as if greeting each visitor with a quiet smile.
I asked myself, “So what will this event be like? Maybe I should go inside.”
Music and laughter on a rainy night
Upstairs, meeting rooms 1 and 2 had been transformed into a cozy concert space. Volunteers had arranged microphones, sound mixers, and neat rows of chairs before host and UNA staff member Cody Stepura welcomed everyone to take their seats.
Night Shift is the UNA’s event series for adults aged 19 and over. Held at the Old Barn Community Centre, the events are meant to foster community connections among adults in a relaxed atmosphere with bar service and a “social vibe”. The first event in the series, a trivia night, was held in September and almost all tickets were sold.
The rain didn’t stop anyone from attending the second event in the series – an open mic event.
Inside, a warm, intimate concert unfolded with ukulele and guitar performances, and flute and piano melodies. The songs were elegant and serene; some expressing love, some bidding a farewell, and others a quiet sorrow.
Brave voices, honest connections
You wouldn’t believe it unless you were there, but the performers were our neighbours. Many began learning their instruments during the pandemic, and some only wrote their first original songs this year.
(Photo: Vivian Su)
On this night, they stood bravely under the spotlight, singing their inner thoughts out loud, sharing their emotions, and lighting up the soft corners of our community. For some performers, it was their first time ever expressing themselves publicly through art.
When one performer sang the words, “I have nowhere else to go. Where is my home? Do you have any clue?,” my eyes filled with tears.
The Warmth of Community
Perhaps many of us can’t afford to own a permanent home here, but can we open our hearts for the people around us and things that are worth loving?
We are all busy with children, housework, studies, and jobs, yet I believe we still have a little gentleness to offer and a quiet strength to give back to the community we live in.
Thank you to the organizers of Night Shift for bringing warmth on a cold rainy night.
VIVIAN SU IS A MEMBER OF THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL COMMITTEE.