We had the honour and privilege of hosting the one and only Buffy Ste-Marie, last Friday, February 15th, with her amazing biographer, Andrea Warner!

Lib D+Q Retail Director Rebecca Lloyd kicked things off with a stellar introduction to the packed to capacity audience at Rialto Hall. Andrea Warner then introduced Buffy by reading a passage of the intro of her book, Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography.

When Andrea finished reading and invited Buffy onto the stage, Buffy was greeted with a standing ovation! 

Warner and Ste-Marie began preparing for the book in January 2017 and would speak on the phone twice a week, for two hours at a time. “I was thinking ’I never want to get off the phone...and then [Buffy] said that out loud!’” Warner said.

We learned so many fascinating details about Buffy’s life during Warner and Ste-Marie’s conversation.   Things like how Ste-Marie intended to be a philosopher, or a teacher and not a musician. She learned to play music on her own. At one point, she was turned away from Berkeley because she didn’t read music, yet ten years later they hired her as a teacher! She now has numerous accolades including an Oscar, a Juno, a Grammy, the Order of Canada, and 12 honorary doctorates!

So many memorable quotes resound:

“I think some of my songs have overshadowed others of my songs...it’s kind of like that in life, too. People will know you by someone else’s headline of you.” - BSM

“Music is play for me, it’s never been work.” - BSM

“I had no fear of glamour, and I had a lot of shit from people...because I like show business, I like entertaining.” - BSM

“I just never had anyone telling me what the rules are. So I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve come up with a lot of things that I might not have if I’d heard someone telling me you’ve got to do this or don’t do that.” - BSM

“Even when I was a little kid I was fascinated with sound and I would make music on everything...I was always fascinated by sound and colour.” - BSM

The conversation was a much deserved Montreal celebration of Ste-Marie, whose career spans 50+ years. She is still touring today!

”Everyone talks about Buffy’s humility, wonder, gratitude and delight in the world,” said Warner & it was indeed a thrill to hear Ste-Marie converse with Warner. Our next event at the Rialto is with Marlon James on March 5th. See you there!