Songs of the City Returns

United Way brings individuals and local artists together for Songs of the City, January 17 at the Fredericton Playhouse.

United Way of Central New Brunswick’s Songs of the City event has become synonymous with Shivering Songs and the winter season in Fredericton. This annual event shares the stories of everyday people whose lives have been transformed through a United Way supported agency or program. Each storyteller is paired with a local musician or group to tell their stories through original songs composed uniquely for this event.

The 2024 edition of Songs of the City will feature stories from 12 Neighbours, Aids NB, Fredericton Public Library, and the Gaia Project. Local participating musicians Oscar Tecu (Chillteens), Quinn Bonnell (The Hello Crows), Alan Jeffries, Catherine Kennedy, and The Olympic Symphonium have composed new music exclusively for this event.

Each story reflects the impact the United Way and its many donors have had on individuals and families within our community.

“United Way creates change, and this event gives donors the opportunity to hear the direct impact of their donations,” says Peter Cullen, Interim Executive Director of United Way Central NB. “Songs of the City shows the difference each one of us can make, and we invite anyone interested in United Way’s work on housing, mental health, youth well-being, and other priorities to come experience these personal stories.

“The festival organizers look for opportunities to position Shivering Songs as a platform to impact the community in positive ways,” says Graeme Walker of Shivering Songs and The Olympic Symphonium. “We are so privileged to be part of an event like United Way’s Songs of the City as it allows us to provide an opportunity for songwriters to tell some of the most important stories in our community.”

Songs of the City is presented in coordination and partnership with the Shivering Songs Festival, St. Thomas University, and BMO Private Wealth.