By Anya Swettenham

On Friday, May 24, the Ottawa Community gathered to celebrate Just Voices’ 20th anniversary concert in effort to raise money for the Ottawa Food Bank.

Just Voices is an activist choir that aims to raise awareness about social equity by performing at rallies and fundraisers in the greater Ottawa Area.

The choir came into existence in 2004 after founder Greg Furlong was inspired to create a singing group with values based in singing about environmental and social justice and raising funds for meaningful causes.

Previous winter and summer solstice concerts supported the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, Ecology Ottawa and the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

At the concert the choir hosted musical guest Tito Medina, an international South American singer who shares similar values to Just Voices.

Throughout the concert, a diverse selection of songs were performed such as Zombie by Dolores O’Riordan, Across the Hills by Leon Rosselson and Cancion Si Miedo by Vivir Quintana.

The choir Just Voices sings Talkin ‘Bout a Revolution by Tracy Chapman on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Just Voices choir director Bridget Grounds poses for a portrait seconds before the concert commences on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Members of Just Voices take the stage on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Audience members silently listen and watch Just Voices perform on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Choir director Bridget Grounds performs a song with the members of Just Voices on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Choir director Bridget Grounds plays the drums as Just Voices sings a song on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Guest singer Tito Medina sings a traditional song from his home country on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Guest Singer Tito Medina chats to the audience about social justice and the importance of indigeneity on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)
Audience members applaud Just Voices on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Anya Swettenham)

The choir holds bi-annual concerts, and since 2023, have returned to annual performances. Song samples and contact information are available on their website and upcoming events are listed on their Facebook page.

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