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WOMAN OF WISDOM. Corvallis singer/songwriter Cassandra Robertson will be bringing her unique style of acoustic conscious folk music to Café Luna (9924 S. W. Bank Rd. ) on Vashon Island Aug. 9 at 7:30 p. m. , and to Tacoma at the Mandolin Café (3923 S. 12th St. ) Aug. 10 at 7 p. m.

Cassandra Robertson – A breath of fresh air in these difficult times

By Matt Nagle

There’s just something about socially and politically conscious women singer/songwriters that both warms the heart and gives cause for hope in trying times. While historically, men have formed armies and turned to war and other coercive means to deal with difficult issues of local or international matters, women leaders, on the other hand, have utilized more creative and less violent approaches, yet with the muscle to invigorate people for positive change through individual empowerment, embracing community and loving the earth.

Corvallis singer/songwriter Cassandra Robertson is just such a woman. A genuine troubadour of the highest degree, Robertson travels the Northwest making socially conscious acoustic folk music rooted in the 1960s yet updated for our modern times, which sometimes seem to be in about as much of an uproar as they were 40 years ago.  

“I’m concerned about where we’re headed as a country, as a planet and as a people,” Robertson said. Being active in her community and getting up on stage to sing about how change can come about gives her joy and raison d’etre. “We have the power within us to change things.”  

Her new album, “Impulse to Dream,” is Robertson’s second and should be owned by anyone who strives to “keep the faith” that the world is a beautiful place as is everyone in it no matter their gender, race, sexual orientation, age, income or physical abilities. And with a small band backing her, Robertson’s blend of folk, rock, country and bluegrass attracts all kinds of music fans.

“I’m really proud of this album for sure,” she said. “It has all the conscious lyrics I feel so good about and music you can groove to and really enjoy.”

“Impulse to Dream” offers 14 songs that showcase Robertson’s impressive lyric writing abilities and songsmithing. She takes the direct approach by offering titles like “Keep the Faith” and “Into the Streets,” a song that opens with Robertson speaking the lyric, “This is a revolution song,” then moves into a great tune with a happy reggae vibe. In other songs, like the upbeat “Dream Life” and mid-tempo “You at My Front Door,” she turns the personal into vignettes that people everywhere can relate to. Whether singing about alternative energy options or support for our troops fighting overseas, Robertson offers something for everyone willing to open their hearts and minds.

Her rich and unaffected singing voice can bring to mind visions of greats like Joan Baez, and her lyrical poetry reveals those who have influenced her like Holly Near, Pete Seeger and other minstrels whose names will forever be linked to the goals of peace and freedom for people worldwide.

Possessing a love for the earth for as long as she can remember, Robertson went to college for training as an environmental engineer, and she continues to work in that field today while pursuing her budding music career. In Corvallis, she’s involved in working with a sustainability coalition to help develop a truly sustainable town. “That feels great to participate in.” She’s also a strong supporter of the Hours Alternative Currency Program, Alternatives to War, Portland Coalition for Genocide Awareness and the Corvallis Environmental Center.

She developed an interest in music at a young age, and her parents gave her a guitar when she was 21. She began writing songs as a way to channel her energy, thoughts and emotions. Musically, she remained “in the closet,” as she put it, until she began participating in protest marches in Oregon not long ago and was bitten by the activist bug. “Two years ago I asked myself what would I regret if I don’t do it,” she said. “This is what came out – sharing the music.”

Through her music, Robertson hopes to inspire and energize. She hopes her fans will “keep doing the good work they’re doing and be inspired to do more.” She also encouraged everyone to get educated on what the Federal Reserve is. “Folks should research it as much as possible.”

Cassandra Robertson will play live Aug. 10, 7-9 p.m. at Mandolin Café, 3923 S. 12th St. No cover. For more on this up-and-coming artist, visit www.cassandrarobertson.com.

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