Recording: The Highest Order

Artist: The Highest Order

Song: Keep A Window Open

Recorded at Christie Pits Park (Bloor Ossington Folk Festival – Day 2), September 18, 2016.

The Highest Order - Keep A Window Open

Unsurprisingly, the fine sunny weather accompanying the festival's final day had the park feeling much more lively and animated with dog-walkers and playground patrons. The tent was also a lot busier from the get-go and as the warm sun held overhead, the rise of the hill beyond was soon filling as well. There was more of a poignant sad undertone to the day, with organizers, bands and audience members all dwelling a little more on the idea that this was the end of the line for the festival. But, as always, the music was a balm and a call to enjoy these moments while they last.

Like many songs from Simone Schmidt's pen, this speaks to a specific place (the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario) and to a specific injustice (the indefinite jailing without charge of migrants). But, like many songs from Simone Schmidt's pen, this Christmas story is neither didactic nor offers easy answers, serving as a call to our sense of conscience and empathy. And yes, it also rocks out with a stone groove at the end, giving you a chance to work things out in your own head for a few minutes.