Podcasts
by Shaun Smith

Episode 43 – Dave Gunning Returns!

Dave Gunning and Shaun Smith at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival.

In a fitting bookend to my Philadelphia Folk Festival coverage, I welcomed back Nova Scotia’s Dave Gunning to The High Note Podcast. Dave was my final interview at the 2019 Festival – the last in-person Philadelphia Folk Festival before the pandemic – and now returns as our closing conversation from the 61st annual gathering.

Gunning, who has built his career on thoughtful songwriting and community activism, shared a significant victory since our last conversation: the successful conclusion of a 15-year campaign to address environmental concerns in his hometown. Working alongside his brother and a dedicated group of experts, their “factivist” (as opposed to activist) approach helped convince government officials to close a controversial paper mill that had raised serious environmental and health concerns, particularly affecting the local First Nations community.

Dave Gunning performs at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/The High Note).
Dave Gunning performs at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/The High Note).

The conversation wasn’t all environmental politics, though. Dave opened up about navigating the pandemic, a period that inspired his latest album “The Same Storm.” Like many of us, he experienced the challenges of isolation and unexpected joys, including building a chicken coop with his family during lockdown.

Music remains at the heart of Gunning’s story. His collaboration with JP Cormier has evolved into a distinct project with its own sound and repertoire, and he’s exploring new territory with fiddle player Rose Morrison, fresh from her performance at Carnegie Hall with Glen Hansard.

Dave Gunning performs at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/The High Note).
Dave Gunning performs at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/The High Note).

But perhaps most inspiring is Gunning’s newest community initiative – the Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund. Working with the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia, he’s helping establish “Little Free Stores” in schools to provide discreet food access for students in need. The project has already raised over $100,000 and aims to reach $200,000 to support more schools. You can donate directly here.

Catch the full episode to hear Dave’s stories about his musical journey, community activism, and what motivates him to make music and change his community. From the craft stage to Denmark, Dave Gunning continues to prove that folk music and community activism remain powerful forces for positive change.

Dave Gunning, JP Cormier and Ronald Kushner perform at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/ The High Note).
Dave Gunning, JP Cormier and Ronald Kushner perform at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/ The High Note).

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Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote, composed and recorded the intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are Graeme Armstrong, Steve Poltz and Keller Williams.