Today on twitter I saw all kinds of messages like this:
Reminder: Flash mob 4:30pm TODAY in Vancouver, Waterfront Station. Sing “Stand by Me” in solidarity with members of BC music community!
I found this so exciting, I told nearly everyone in the office about it and really, it got me through the day. From time to time I would daydream about the peaceful protesters singing, holding their signs, pretty hippies gently placing flowers in pointed guns. I could not wait. I opted out of lunch today and left the office a bit early to ensure I didn’t miss anything. I also wanted to see if they would be blocking traffic at Waterfront during rush hour. I know that happens all the time with the Critical Mass Rides on Burrard Street. I know because I’ve been stuck in that traffic. In the car. Now I feel bad.
Well, I felt even worse when I got to Waterfront Station. I got there to find about 20 uncomfortable people just starting to quietly sing Stand By Me. I stood off to the side, waiting for all the people to arrive.
The singers finished the song, someone said, “Okay. That’s it.” and they walked off. It took about 3 minutes and I only got 1 photo. That won’t happen again. I’ll be taking shots constantly the next time I find myself in this situation.
I feel badly even putting this on my blog. This isn’t really the way a protest of the government cuts to save the Arts should have turned out at all. I was sure I must have missed something in this – did they move to another location? Will there be another flash mob in near future? I did speak to one of the people who sang and she explained I hadn’t missed anything. And no, she wasn’t sure there would be another one, and she was disappointed with the turn out and had left work an hour early to attend.
So, that was it. 3 minutes of quiet singing. I sure hope the next one is gets a better turn out. And I’m sure there will be another one. And maybe even another one after that.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad you went and thanks for the picture. Let me know if you hear about another. I did not know of this protest til reading it on your facebook comment.
I guess people no longer connect the singing on their machines with real people who live and breath and sing locally. That is so sad. People don't realize the difference our local musicians make to our lives. Very sad.