Fresh from performing at Folk Alliance International (FAI) in Montreal, Ottawa-based acclaimed folk artist Christophe Elie now sets his sights on another profound journey of music and activism. On March 2, Elie will board the Peace Train, traveling from Montreal to New York City alongside Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and other peace advocates to participate in the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations (March 3-7, 2025).
Elie was honored to perform two showcases at this year’s Folk Alliance International (FAI), sharing the stage with fellow artists and debuting new material from his upcoming album. FAI—one of the world’s largest folk music gatherings—provided Elie with the opportunity to connect with global industry professionals, songwriters, and DJs from over 50 countries. His sets featured songs from his forthcoming album, his latest release Columbia, and the re-release of Trump’s Tweets.
As a DJ for CKCU, where he hosts Songs for the Revolution, Elie also used his time at FAI to capture moments to share with his listeners back home. Now, he transitions from the vibrant folk music community in Montreal to the global peace movement in New York City.
Elie’s next stop is a meaningful one—joining the Peace Train on March 2, traveling from Montreal to NYC for the UN Meetings on Nuclear Disarmament.
The Peace Train movement, which previously made an impact in Canada with events in Ottawa, unites artists, activists, and political leaders to advocate for nuclear disarmament through music and dialogue. Inspired by Yusuf Islam’s (Cat Stevens) legendary song Peace Train, Elie is working to organize a performance in New York City—Peace Train: A Night of Music and Words for World Peace.
“When I received the invite for this trip, my only thought was—how am I going to make this happen? Peace has always colored my art and found its way into my songs. From Firekeeper, the fictitious story of a soldier from Whitby, to Mirrors, set in the now-destroyed Gaza city, and my latest release Columbia, the question for peace is always the same: ‘Where do you hide?’” – Christophe Elie
In addition to his performances and activism, Elie is currently working on his next album, produced by Juno-nominated Gareth Auden Hole (Jack Pine and The Fire). The album explores themes of peace, immigration, protest, and the fragile state of our world today. With six songs already recorded, Elie is shaping a collection that reflects both the urgency of the present and the timelessness of folk storytelling.
One of the Peace Train’s key events is An Evening of Music and Words for World Peace, featuring live performances and speakers:
🕊️ Event: Peace Train Canada – An Evening of Music & Words for World Peace
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: The Common Ditch Social – 74 Broad St., 2nd Floor, Manhattan
🎶 Performers:
- Christophe Elie (Political Folk Singer, CKCU Host) – Event Host
- Friends of Kolker (NY-based folk artists)
- Spook Handy (Acclaimed Civil Rights & Folk Singer)
- Alyson Faith
- Additional folk artists TBA
🎙️ Speakers:
- Peace Train Canada
- Amnesty International (TBC)
- Project Ploughshares
🎟️ Tickets: $15 or PWYC (Pay What You Can). A portion of the proceeds will go to a peace-related charity.
On Sunday, March 2, the Peace Train, carrying Green Party leader Elizabeth May and 10 peace advocates from across Canada, will depart from the historic Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal—where John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously asked the world to “Give Peace a Chance”—and arrive at New York’s Penn Station on the Adirondack. The group will then attend the UN Meetings on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)—a treaty Canada is not a party to, but Peace Train Canada is urging the Canadian government to at least take the first step of becoming an Observer.
With music as a force for change, Christophe Elie is ready to bring his voice and songs to this vital international conversation.
