These Are The Songs That I Sing When I Am Sad

By Jane Miller and Brian Quirt | LSPU Hall | March 27- 30, 2025

Reviewed by Than Brown

A brisk late March night was just the time to see “These Are The Songs That I Sing When I Am Sad,” a show currently running at the LSPU Hall, where performer and audience gather to celebrate and share emotional music. A somewhat unconventional performance, which combines music, storytelling, and audience contribution, this show will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the music you already find meaningful. 

Fittingly, “These Are The Songs That I Sing When I Am Sad” is about the music we turn to when sad. Jane Miller guides us through these songs, first conceptually, and then through stories from her own life, singing all the way. The show then invites the audience to share the songs that have gotten them through hard times.

I was impressed by Jane Miller’s presence and command of the audience. Miller, who wrote the show along with director Brian Quirt, sat humbly at a keyboard on center stage. Unencumbered by visible amplification or microphones, fashionably white hair glowing in the spotlight, she was able to hold a friendly connection with the audience while still maintaining control and presence as a performer. I sometimes get nervous at shows that have a lot of crowd participation, as I do not like being put on the spot if I’m not ready, but Miller had me feeling at ease.

Jane Miller had the tone set as soon as the doors opened. When I entered, she was playing soft chords on the piano, greeting the audience as we came in. She chatted with us, explaining that this was her first time visiting the province from her home in Toronto. She wanted to know all about the local places and activities, and in typical Newfoundlander fashion, the audience was happy to give suggestions. In a sense, while we were in her audience, she was also in our audience as St. John’s locals. This was the kind of reciprocity she brought to the night.

One of the striking elements of the “These Are The Songs That I Sing When I Am Sad” was the joy behind it. For a show about songs that accompany sadness, Miller’s performance was full of joy. This is a woman who, as we learn through her songs and storytelling, has experienced deep sadness. Her show could have been sombre, and it would have been appropriate. Yet, while there certainly were sorrowful moments, what I experienced was a celebration of music and emotion.

“Sad songs hold us,” Jane Miller explained. These songs often feel meant for us, personal and meaningful, even though not written with an individual listener in mind. Similarly, “These Are The Songs That I Sing When I Am Sad” holds the audience. The stories told are from Miller’s life, not ours. Yet she invites the audience in, bringing our own experiences. By the end of each show, the audience has contributed quite a few sad songs of their own, and after each performance a playlist of these songs is made available on the show’s website.

After the night was over, I put on my scarf and stepped outside. I had been thinking about getting a taxi home. Instead, I put on my headphones, and started walking, listening to a favorite sad times album with a little more appreciation than usual. “These Are The Songs That I Sing When I am Sad” is running through March 30th at the LSPU Hall, so if you move quickly there is still a chance to experience this show.

Than Brown is a musician and academic based in St. John’s, NL. They are a masters student at MUN, and are currently finishing a folklore thesis on traditional music and social media. She also plays mandolin, and is involved in widening space for marginalized identities in the folk scene.