Paul Campbell, known to many Frederictonians as an entertainer who has been bringing crowds to the dance floor for decades, has never considered himself a songwriter. However, with the chaotic political climate of recent years, he felt the need to complete his one and only attempt; a song he started to write while vacationing abroad in 1976. It’s now finished, and in a move that’s very ‘on-brand’ for Campbell, he has scheduled a celebration in its honor.

Song For Democracy-1984 Redux finally gets its official debut on Saturday, June 1st at the Charlotte Street Arts Center, at the 5th Downtown Blues Band ‘Party For The Planet’. The band will perform two sets, along with a special video presentation of the new song, which will be preceded by a brief recorded interview with Campbell, conducted by MRTI’s Rob Pinnock.  The final song of the evening will be Song For Democracy-1984 Redux performed live for the first time in front of an audience. 

As the long-time frontman for Fredericton’s favourite party band, the Downtown Blues Band, Campbell has always chosen to keep things non-political, but Song For Democracy-1984 Redux is Campbell’s anthem of love and hope in a world he feels is heading in the wrong direction for humanity. 

Inspired by 1984, George Orwell’s frightening look into the future, and set in a totalitarian world, Campbell seeks out the light of humanity in the form of LOVE, and calls it out from the darkness as the song rises to its thrilling, emotional peak.

Tickets are available online now (https://rb.gy/c4l8i3). $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Net proceeds will be donated to the purchase of supplies needed to help those displaced by the war in the Ukraine. 

Doors open at 7:00PM with show at 7:30PM.