New song from McCauley’s AV (Ann Vriend) is personal and universal.

L-R: Laurelle K., Jenn Dahlen, Alenka Lundell, Crystal Eyo, Mira Angela, AV (Ann Vriend). Missing: Stéphanie Odayen. Lulubee Photography

AV (Ann Vriend) is a McCauley resident who makes an impact with her music. She is still well-known for the outdoor porch concerts held in front of her home during the height of the COVD-19 pandemic which brought people from the neighbourhood - and beyond - together.

Her newest song is "A Dollar & A Suitcase. It was released in May and features AV's band of all-women vocalists, The Inner City. The song tells the story of AV's grandmother's immigration from The Netherlands to Canada in 1951, and was writte as a gift for AV's mother's 60th birthday.

"I think the hope is a remembrance of, or a deepened appreciation of the sacrifices and journeys of those who came before us, especially those of our mothers and matriarchs," says Laurelle K., a member of the Inner City, who responded to interview questions because AV was putting family first and attending to her mother's health.

"Ann actually wrote this song years ago before AV & the Inner City was even an idea. It was inspired by a detail from her mom and grandmother’s immigration story, When they were separated to travel overseas, her grandmother promised to give her young daughter a dollar if she was brave and didn’t cry. Of course there were tears, but when she reached into her pocket to get a tissue she found a dollar there as well, planted in advance by her mother, knowing full well that tears were inevitable, but bravery was still present and rewarded. Ann arranged the song for the group just this last year, and we had the privilege of debuting the arrangement as a surprise for her mom’s birthday. That experience, and the song itself hold even more meaning and relevance now that her health has taken a turn for the worst, which is why I’m doing my best to answer these questions on Ann’s behalf while she focuses on family," Laurelle explains.

McCauley has had a deep influence on AV's music. "McCauley is where the group was formed through Ann's weekly porch concerts. I am aware that many of the families within the community of McCauley are immigrants facing a myriad of struggles including separation from family and loved ones overseas. McCauley and the issues the community faces is a common theme in Ann’s music," Laurelle says.

"Ann and her family are dealing with a lot at the moment, and that the meaning behind this song is hitting home a little harder for us these days," Laurelle continues. "We would love for you to have a listen if you haven’t yet, and also go check out the music video on AV & the Inner City’s YouTube channel. Follow and subscribe while you’re there as well."

You can hear the song and watch the official video here.

Paula E. Kirman is the Editor of Boyle McCauley News.

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A Dollar & A Suitcase