Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Artistry and activism have always gone hand in hand for Bruce Cockburn, who for 55 straight years, has retained a rarely rivaled streak of productivity, while articulately addressing social, spiritual and political subject matter.

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Famer with 13 Juno Awards is currently touring behind his 38th studio album, “O Sun O Moon,” adding to a rich catalogue including 22 gold or platinum sellers.

Though the troubadour was an ideal match for two near capacity solo nights at the Old Town School Of Folk Music, the genre is only a fraction of the rock, jazz, worldbeat and holiday offerings he’s thus far explored.

Nonetheless, the closing night was an ideal summation of those five-and-a-half-decades and an extremely fulfilling one at that, split between two parts and a generous encore totaling nearly two-and-a-half-hours.

The headliner entered to the older yet ever so appropriate “The Blues Got The World By The Balls,” then tackled Blind Willie Johnson’s “Soul Of A Man,” each on the resonator guitar, followed by mainly acoustic originals.

“King Of The Bolero” was the earliest off the latest collection, suggesting even at 79-years-old, Cockburn is still very much a king of his craft, plus the prior “Cafe Society,” “All The Diamonds In The World” and “Last Night Of The World” continued to resonate.

By signatures such as “Lovers In A Dangerous Time,” “Wondering Where The Lions Are” and “Pacing The Cage,” it became apparent why everyone from Judy Collins to Jimmy Buffett, Barenaked Ladies and literally dozens more have covered this legend’s gripping selections.

However, there was nothing like seeing Cockburn himself rally against injustice throughout the increasingly urgent “Call It Democracy,” offer praises to “Lord Of The Starfields” or ponder “When The Spirit Walks In The Room,” which the Old Town School was fortunate enough to feel every second he was on one of the city’s most sacred stages.

For additional information on Bruce Cockburn, visit BruceCockburn.com.

Upcoming shows at the Old Town School Of Folk Music include Martin & Eliza Carthy (May 11); Luiz Everling & Amada (May 14); Anna B Savage (May 14); Bruce Molsky & Ale Möller (May 15); Peter Asher (May 16); Matt Anderson (May 18); Stephen Malkmus (May 20-21); Gros Pokossi (May 21); The Jacob Jolliff Band (May 22); The Working Songwriter Forum (May 23); Joe Pug (May 24); Florist (May 25); Black Bear Combo (May 28); Avi Kaplan (May 29) and The Jayhawks (May 31-Jun. 1). For additional details, visit OldTownSchool.org/Concerts.

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