Phil Jenkins presents “Where Have All the Protest Songs Gone?” — an engaging evening exploring the powerful history and enduring spirit of protest music.
“It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable” — Woody Guthrie
Protest songs have a rich and fascinating history, stretching from the 19th century through to the issues of today. From the voices of early folk traditions to the powerful works of artists like Bob Dylan, music has long been a tool for speaking out, bringing people together, and inspiring change. Phil Jenkins has gathered a compelling selection of songs — from the well-known to the lesser-heard — and brings them to life through performance, stories, and slides that reveal the meaning behind each song.
Several of the songs will be familiar to Café Earle patrons, and singing along is encouraged, creating a shared and engaging experience. Phil will guide you through the history of protest music and its continued relevance today — connecting the past to the present in a way that feels both timely and timeless.
After moving to the Gatineau Hills in 1991, Phil founded Riverbend, producing two full-length recordings, CarTunes and Making Waves. His solo album Noteworthy was released at the Black Sheep in March 2020, followed by the formation of Striving for Beauty in 2023, whose EP Music for a Better Day was released in 2024.
Join us for an inspiring evening of music, stories, and connection — where protest songs remind us of the power of voice, and why they still matter today.