Music brings the family together in Sarnia–Lambton

Music is very spiritual; it has the power to bring people together,” says musician Edgar Winter. The first time I returned to play music in Sarnia, it had been almost […]

Music is very spiritual; it has the power to bring people together,” says musician Edgar Winter. The first time I returned to play music in Sarnia, it had been almost five years since I was away from the scene. The second time was ten years. Now, for the third time, it has been another five years. I am happy to be back.

Recently, I participated in a benefit show and felt a deep sense of camaraderie with the other musicians. It felt like being part of a family. Beyond the humanitarian reasons for the event, the musicians were there specifically to hear each other play.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a serious damper on business for bars and restaurants. This resulted in few, if any, venues for musicians. After the pandemic, I saw a boon as people started going out again. Bars and restaurants opened their doors, some for the first time. Musicians finally had places to play, and the number of solo acts, duos, and bands exploded.

Michele Dionne from SarniaRocks.com notes that the music scene has changed again, adapting by having more open jams, dining music, and matinees. On that 20-year-old site where you can see who is playing and where, I counted at least 20 to 30 different venues for January alone.

Studies show that when we share emotional experiences through music, chemicals are released in our brain that promote social bonding and cultural identity. Music affects the release of neurochemicals like endorphins and dopamine. It touches deep emotional centres, making us happier when we listen to and participate. This creates a stronger connection with others and strengthens social cohesion.

Musician David Byrne once wrote that music changes not only how we feel about ourselves, but also how we feel about everything outside ourselves. There is a clear musical connectedness in our community. Sarnia musicians are active in, and should be proud of, their humanitarian efforts.

There are a multitude of benefit shows in our community where musicians donate their time and talent for free. These include shows for sick children, natural disaster relief, birthdays, retirements, and food drives. About our local musicians, Dionne says they are family-first people who care. They connect when someone in our community is struggling or has lost a loved one.

There is a strong musical scene in Sarnia and a feeling of family at every show. I encourage everyone to come out and experience our thriving music scene and feel the connection.