Buncrana music teacher Bernie Doherty is setting out to rally the local community together for a fundraising concert for the people of besieged Gaza.
Bernie (pictured) has penned a heartfelt song “None of Us are Free” which will be released at the “Songs of Solidarity” concert taking place in the historical Plaza, Buncrana, on Friday 14 June 2024. The concert promises to be an evening of powerful performances by local artists. Attendees can expect a mix of lively and heartfelt songs and music, echoing the spirit of unity and compassion.
Proceeds of the concert will go towards funding a food drop to Gaza.
Bernie, a musician, mental health and wellbeing advocate from the town, expressed her motivation for writing the new song: “Like so many, I’ve been deeply affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and I wrote this song in order to show my support for the people of Palestine. It is written in the tradition of a simple folk song calling for peace. Indeed, my aim in also recording it has been to amplify a message of peace and keep the deteriorating situation in Gaza in people’s minds.”
Collaborating with renowned classical guitarist and music producer, Sean Woods, the song has been meticulously crafted to resonate with audiences worldwide. Recording the track at Birchwoods Recording Studio in Derry, Sean shares Bernie’s commitment to amplifying a message of peace and the voices of those affected by the crisis.
The lyrics of “None of Us are Free” call on individuals to stand together in solidarity:
“Let’s start with courage, let’s start with love,
Let’s start with standing all together, showing what we are made of.
Let’s start by shouting, ‘This cannot be!’
Unless we all are, then none of us are free,
Unless we all are, then none of us are free.”
Working in conjunction with musician and activist John Cutliffe and the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group, Bernie aims to raise awareness and to spark meaningful dialogue within the local community.
John has a long history of campaigning for justice in the region, having lived there and raised funds for embattled hospitals and residents in 2014, when Gaza was under siege.
Bernie concluded with an open invite to people to attend the concert, adding: “I hope that through our music and shared humanity, we will send a very powerful message of both peace and solidarity, which will also resonate more widely: that none of us can be truly free until all are free!”
