Grief hits you. The moment it hits, you might reach for a mechanism to express sadness. You might render memory through an external medium. For many of us who knew Dave Darby—who were hit by grief when he passed in early May—music was the medium of choice.

Whether or not music is “about” a thing, music is always in relation to things. Often music exists in relation to groups of people—to community. As board president, longstanding volunteer, and Music Gallery superfan, Dave Darby was a deeply caring presence in our community. Many community members had stories about Dave, and as many people had songs about Dave. These songs encompass shared experiences, places, friendships and feelings that are linked to him. 

So we offer this episode in memory of Dave Darby, and thank everyone who contributed, who shared in our grief, who celebrated all of the ways that he was present as family, friend, and community member.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/music-gallery-toronto/radio-music-gallery-08-celebrating-dave-darby/s-rdUUjTeRDle

Tracklist: 

Michael Kiwanuka- Light
Todd Rundgren- Hello It’s Me
Diamanda Galas- Skotoseme
Cibo Matto- Sugar Water
The Clash- If Music Could Talk
Asher Gamedze- Siyabulela
Merganzer- Montage Live at the Music Gallery
Salome Bey- Star Dust
Shira Small- My Life’s Alright
LAL- How the World Began
Madlib- Montara
Ziibiwan- Manitou
John Coltrane- Part 1: Acknowledgement 
The Legendary Stardust Cowboy- Standing in a Trash Can (Thinking of You)