Songs That Speak: Featuring Harpin’ Norm Lucien and Friends

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Some songs simply entertain us. Others reach beneath the surface—awakening emotion, stirring thought, and giving voice to experiences we may not have known how to express. Songs That Speak is an evening devoted to original music with meaningful lyrics: songs that invite us to listen closely, feel deeply, and connect with both the artists and one another.

Our featured performer, Harpin’ Norm Lucien, is a painter, poet, musician, and singer-songwriter who emerged on the roots music scene in 2011 with a pocketful of harmonicas. Drawing inspiration from the singer-songwriters of the 1960s, Norm’s heartfelt original songs explore themes of love, society, and the human experience.

His distinctive style and versatility have taken him to numerous performance halls, including Nashville, and into recording sessions for both himself and other artists. His original songs have received radio play, been released on two CDs, and are now being covered by other performers. A third CD is planned for fall 2026.

Norm will be joined by a wonderfully varied gathering of musical friends.

Brian Jantzi draws deeply from folk, rock, jazz, blues, Latin, bluegrass, Celtic, rockabilly, western, and psychedelic traditions. His original songs carry what he calls a “lonesome hippie vibe,” laid over lyrics that make you want to hear every word.

Brian Gladstone, singer-songwriter and director of Toronto’s Winterfolk Festival, brings his own longstanding connection to the city’s folk and roots music community.

Cathy Anne is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose original music is distinguished by powerful, meaningful lyrics.

The evening will also feature Krishnadeva, playing a variety of flutes, and Paul – I Bring the Melody, whose hang drum adds an atmospheric and deeply resonant musical voice. Additional musical friends and spontaneous collaborations may emerge as the evening unfolds.

Most of the music will be original. When someone offers a familiar cover song or an easily learned chorus, the room may naturally become part of the performance. Everyone is invited to participate at the level that feels comfortable—singing along, listening deeply, absorbing the lyrics, or simply enjoying the atmosphere.

This is not an open mic, but musicians who would like to contribute a song or short set are welcome to contact Mariel in advance so the evening can be thoughtfully coordinated.

As always, we begin with a shared potluck meal before settling into an evening of music, connection, and community.

Potluck: 6:30 PM

Music: 7:30–9:30 PM

Location: South Etobicoke, near Kipling and Horner

Contribution: Please bring a healthy food contribution to share. A financial contribution of $10–25 is encouraged to reflect the value received and help sustain future gatherings. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Come prepared to hear songs worth listening to—and perhaps to leave feeling a little more connected to your own heart and to the people sharing the room.