The connection between an artist and a listener is vital. It’s what buoys our spirits, whether as a listener moved by a performance, or as an artist nourished by support. That is Sofar– those relationships, our community. So, we want to take time to recognize the folks within our creative shared world who make it so special with a new series, We Are Sofar. We’re starting with Lindi Nolte, a spoken word poet and Sofar alum, and Adam Stranks, a super supporter and Sofar listener. These two Sofar community members in Vancouver, BC remind us of the important bond between artist and listener.
Lindi first came to Sofar in 2015. After attending a show with a friend in Vancouver, she quickly began performing at shows, eventually MCing as well, sometimes writing poems on the spot inspired by artists’ performances, then reading them right after. For Lindi, it was the perfect environment for sharing her work, as listeners were respectful and receptive to artists. “A lot of people are resistant when they hear the word poetry,” Lindi said. “But when it’s in front of you and you have time to just listen and be present, you realize how beautiful it is.”
Meanwhile, Adam came to Sofar in 2017. “I was instantly addicted,” he said. “Live music is my happy place…I go to a lot of concerts, but Sofar spoiled me. It’s what I love most– people being there for the music, not talking or being on their phones.” The two eventually met and struck up a conversation in a bathroom line at a Sofar in someone’s home. “That’s part of why I loved Sofar, meeting people like Adam, specifically Adam, who was at so many shows and loved every single artist,” Lindi said. “That’s what really drew me to it, the community around really being immersed in live music.”
Adam Stranks and his other half, Michaella
The two continued to run into each other at shows. Then the pandemic hit, right around the time Lindi was releasing her debut book, Barefoot and Awestruck. “I didn’t get to release it or sit around in a room and read poems to my friends, not even my family really,” Lindi said. “It was this really big accomplishment that I didn’t get to celebrate.” Without the ability to read it live, she put the word out on social media. Adam quickly got a copy.
“I remember the first time I saw Lindi perform, I was struck by her poetry, it literally moved me to tears,” Adam said. “ When the book came out I bought it instantly, tore through it– I’ve read it several times.” A few months later, Adam was putting together gift boxes for his coworkers. He decided to contact Lindi and buy 50 copies of her book for everyone. “That was ultimately the best gift I could’ve gotten, I was really able to celebrate,” Lindi said.
She continued:
“Adam has this unique way of making people feel special. He’s got an eye for seeing what people can add to the world. When he reached out, apart from feeling happy and grateful, I also felt seen. Selling books is great, but having somebody say ‘I think there’s something here worth sharing’ is way more than that. We’ve got the artists that we really support at Sofar, and we are really grateful for the hosts, but there’s so much in terms of the community relationship that’s important. They’re always interested in knowing how they can support. That’s such an important component– giving gratitude for that, because without those community members doing that we’re just lonely artists in empty rooms. I am grateful for the energy they bring.”
Photo credit: Lindi Nolte, photo by Elicea Andrews
Check out Lindi’s Sofar performance of “Mars” below.
