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A quiet exploration of her roots

Women’s rights and animal rights are two causes that are near and dear to the heart of singer/songwriter Debbie Bergeron.
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Debbie Bergeron performs Saturday

Women’s rights and animal rights are two causes that are near and dear to the heart of singer/songwriter Debbie Bergeron.Anything that she can do to use her song-writing skills and raise her voice to bring awareness of violence against women or abuse of animals, she’s happy to do. The first opportunity came when she was contacted by the SPCA to sing at a animal rights benefit event at the Roxy and asked for the use of one of her songs for a fundraising CD.  Now the SPCA has come back once again to ask if Bergeron will perform for them at the Inlet Theatre, in Port Moody and, once again, donate a song to a second compilation CD.But it is spousal assault and women’s rights that Debbie may be best known for her songs titled ‘Break the Chain.’ and ‘Shelter from a Storm.”“It’s about women supporting women,” says Bergeron. “I am passionate about those songs.” Now with International Woman’s Day fast approaching in March, Bergeron’s new song called ‘Please Don’t Forget Me,’ will be performed at both the March 8 International Woman’s Day event in Hope and at the March 18, International Woman’s Day event in Abbotsford. The Hope and Area Transition Society and the Ann Davis Transition Society are sponsoring the two events.“I just recorded it yesterday, I am so proud of it.“Do you realize that 4000 women and children go missing in Canada every year? I just couldn’t let that go.”Hope residents will have chance to see Debbie perform locally at a concert set for Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Hope United Church Hall, starting at 7 p.m.A little bit of a diversion from her regular country band style, the new show will be an exploration of Debbie’s musical roots. “It’s a journey to explore the artists and the songs, that I grew up with, and who motivated my writing and vocal styles.“There my inspiration, my heroes,” like Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn…. Now there was a real woman, talking about issues that people wanted hushed up back then. Her song ‘Pill’ would have been scandalous.”Ian Tyson, Charlie Pride, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton – the stars will shine bright during Bergeron’s acoustic concert, backed up by the talented guitarist, Jeff Bowman.Tickets for the show are available at the Hope Visitor Info Centre.