Sources of Knowledge Kicks Off 2026 with Music and Momentum
Submitted by Moira Parker
On a chilly January afternoon in Tobermory, the Parks Canada Visitors Centre Theatre felt like the coziest spot in town. Folks brushed snow off their boots, found seats among friends and neighbours, and for a couple of hours, winter slipped into the background.
The occasion was SOK Sings 3.0, hosted by Sources of Knowledge (SOK) on Thursday, January 29. Nearly 40 community members gathered for an intimate afternoon of live music, shared stories, and the kind of warmth that comes from being together. Local singer-songwriters Amber May, Johnny Lane, Danielle Vaccari, and Marty Oblak took the stage, each bringing their own sound and spirit.
The set flowed between old favourites and fresh originals. A few songs were making their public debut; some had been written just the day before. One even took shape right there in the room, lyrics coming together as the music played. There was a heartfelt Spanish love song, several deeply personal pieces, and an overall feeling of spontaneity and generosity. It was beautifully unpolished in the best way.
Best of all, admission was free (donations gladly accepted), light refreshments were on hand, and conversations stretched between sets. Attendees remarked how wonderful the performers were and felt privileged to listen to these talented musicians. Events like this are a reminder of why small gatherings matter so much, especially when the days are short and the snow is deep.
That focus on bringing people together is at the heart of Sources of Knowledge. It carries straight into spring with the annual forum, set for May 1–3, 2026. The topic this year is Invasive Species – one of the biggest threats facing Canada’s native wildlife and plants. These non-native species often arrive by accident and take hold without natural predators to keep them in check. Once established, they can kill off, outcompete, or completely disrupt native species and the ecosystems they depend on.
The damage doesn’t stop at the environment. Invasive plants and animals impact the economic side too, costing billions of dollars each year in losses to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other industries across the country.
Leading off the speakers is University of Toronto Professor of Biological Sciences Nick Mandrak, who calls Grand Bend home. He’ll give a talk on the history of aquatic invasives in the Great Lakes. The problem ramped up sharply after the St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959, and today there are at least 64 invasive species established in our inland waterways. Professor Mandrak will cover how our scientific understanding of these invaders has grown over time and what the outlook is for controlling them and stopping new ones, like Asian carp, from getting a foothold.
In addition to the May forum, Sources of Knowledge has a full slate of talks planned for the months ahead. On April 2, SOK will partner with The Meeting Place for a conversation focused on housing and accommodation. Local naturalist Willy Waterton returns to the SOK stage on May 21, followed by a June 11 talk from Dr. James Conolly exploring the oldest known shipwreck discovered in the Great Lakes.
Registration for the forum will open soon, with more talks and presenters to be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest updates on the schedule, speakers, and other details, visit sourcesofknowledge.ca.
From a winter afternoon filled with local songs to a spring weekend tackling issues for our land and water, Sources of Knowledge keeps creating spaces where neighbours can come together, listen, and connect over the things that matter most right here at home.
