Kingston's favourite folkestra, The Gertrudes, have released a new single commemorating last summer's tragic incident north of the city. The band's new song and video for Parham commemorates the June 7, 2020 intentionally set fire in the hamlet of the same name that destroyed two buildings, including the 133 year-old St. James Anglican Church. Over 30 artists from Kingston and surrounding area contributed their talents to the song's recording, according to bandleader Greg Tilson in a statement. Known for their goodwill, The Gertrudes will be donating all proceeds from sales of the new single to the Canadian Mental Health Association, which can be purchased here. "These are times of increased anxiety, stress and isolation for all people in Canada, but we will get through this,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). “CMHA is grateful for The Gertrudes’ commitment to supporting community mental health programs and services so we can be there when and where people need us.” The highly creative video for Parham is the work of Kingston filmmaker and animator Josh Lyon, and illustrator Nancy Douglas. "The lyrics of Parham retell the experiences of people threatened with the violence of an individual in despair. The massive train became a metaphor for what happened that night," explains Douglas in an official news release. "The buildings in Parham show the evolution of the town and the personalities of the people who live within. The house portraits were made using cut and paste paper collage, careful looking, and Google Street View." Posted: May 3, 2023 Originally Published: May 28, 2021