An evening with Kārlis Briedis in Ottawa “Autumn is Coming”

Ottawa’s autumn season is off to a great start. When the autumn leaves on the trees signal the approach of winter, and start to show their colours, and it’s freezing outside in the evenings, this is the time when Latvian society starts to do more indoors.

Not only the change of season, but also changes in the habits and routines of our local Latvian society have brought something new to Ottawa. Organizing a concert is not new in itself, but this time the organizers were different. In Ottawa, there is a renewed Ottawa chapter of the Daugavas Vanagi, with members working together to organize much-needed community events. We were delighted to see musician Kārlis Briedis, who travelled all the way from Barrie, Ontario, and entertained Ottawanians with music and stories. We heard stories about Kārlis’ life in Canada before going to live in Latvia, life in Latvia and his return to Canada. Kārlis sang and played music well known here outside Latvia and music popular in Latvia. And, of course, music that is familiar to all of us, both living in Latvia and here in Canada. I am happy about all the event attendees, who always find time for the Latvian community despite the rush of life. Thank you very much, together we strengthen our community. And a huge thank you to all the hard-working hands and minds for a beautiful evening. The raffle table and the snacks that accompanied the evening added to the joy. During the evening we learned more about Daugavas Vanagi. Of course, the older generation knows a lot about the Daugavas Vanagi Relief Society, but the younger generation had the opportunity to listen and learn something new. This evening, besides the beautiful music and Kārlis’ stories, also helped us to learn and be proud of the rich life of the diaspora organization so far, and during the evening Aija Auziņa, Daugavas Vanagi Ottawa chapter leader, invited us to participate, to come and become a member, to continue building our Latvian society together.
Jānis Lielāmers