Island View, Ep. 4: Don't just Survive, Thrive! Plus, Musicians on the Beach

In the latest episode of Island View, our weekly current affairs show for Gabriola Island, Theresa O'Leary speaks with Maria Malmgren from the Chamber of Commerce about the "Thriver Guide and Workbook," a new tool to help people thrive during these challenging times. Then, in our continuing series about the creators who drive Gabriola's cultural vitality and artistic economy, Marshal Fries talks with Adam Larson, co-creator of the popular Brickyard Beach Music Jam.

Segments:
1:15 - With everything from the pandemic to the climate crisis and wildfires to cope with, these are difficult times. But a new publication, The Thriver Guide and Workbook, provides practical tips for thriving and building resilience. Maria Malmgren of Gabriola's Chamber of Commerce explains that the initiative originated with the Gabriola Arts Council but many local groups were involved in creating the book. They consciously chose the title because they want to encourage residents to thrive rather than just survive, despite the challenges they face.

Maria says, “It’s about empowering people to take ownership of our own resiliency and if we feel overwhelmed, knowing there’s a place to start, someone you can reach out to." The booklet contains information about resources already existing on Gabriola, and includes tips in the categories of "Food (Without Ferries?)," "Water: The Giver of Life," "Shelter & Supplies," Thriving Mind, Body and Spirit," and "Disaster-Ready Today."

Maria gives thanks to the many people involved in the project. She says the feedback on the booklet has been great. 1,500 copies were printed and only 80 remain, so if you want to pick one up at the Chamber/Tourism office you should do so quickly. No word on whether there will be a reprint but those involved hope there will be a part 2. Meanwhile, groups on other islands have shown interest in the Gabriola Thriver Booklet and are using it as an inspiration for creating something similar.

18:57 - Marshal Fries visits the Brickyard Beach Music Jam, which has become another way to thrive on Gabriola. Co-created by island musician Adam Larson, the weekly event is a key one in the cultural life of the island, not to mention in the economic lives of the musicians who organize it.

Larson originated it along with fellow musicians Bryce Lalonde, Johnny Sauvage, Nathan Sobko, and José Vieira. The pop-up location on the south side is re-built every Wednesday during the summer season.

The event arose in part due to a lack of outdoor music venues on the island, and has helped to foster an inclusive musical community on Gabriola. Everyone is welcome to witness, enjoy, and explore the music. Dozens of people of all ages attend, and dance and sing and bring potluck offerings.

The Jam starts at 4 in the afternoon. The musicians and organizers construct the stage and set up the equipment. Larson and the others involved manage the sound, sign-ups, and evening schedule. Then at 10 they tear down and pack it all up, which can take until midnight or later.

There’s no cover charge. People donate what they can to show appreciation.

“It took us several months to accumulate all the lighting and sound," says Larson. "Audio equipment, everything we needed to make this run, was actually through the donations we received from attendees.”

And while organizers take just a bit of revenue for themselves, it still serves to help them, as Larson puts it, "get through the week." It's a great example of the self-sustaining nature of the artistic economy on Gabriola.

Larson plans to continue running music events as long as the community remains engaged. He says residents have been responsible for creating the event through their attendance, participation, and financial support.

For those who may have missed this summer’s programming, he adds that plans are to move the jams indoors for the winter. In May 2024, they’ll be back at Brickyard Beach.

To learn more about related upcoming events on Gabriola Island visit the GAMA Collective and The Infinite Atom.

Journalist: Marshal Fries / Producer: Theresa O'Leary