Like transit, music is all about connections.

Whether that’s bringing people together to belt out their favourite tune or connecting with yourself introspectively through music on headphones during your transit ride.

For singer-guitarist Ian Zafra, it’s about using music to connect with his late mother as a TransLink busker.

The TransLink Busker Program has been bringing live performances to Metro Vancouver’s transit system since 1986! The platform gives all kinds of musicians a stage at key stations across the region.

When Ian arrived in Vancouver, tragedy struck. His mother passed away unexpectedly, and going through financial issues, he couldn’t attend her wake back home.

“I miss her so much every day,” says Ian. “Since then, I have decided to make a commitment in sharing my music to as many people as I can.”

Ian’s passion for performing music first started as a volunteer for patients at Coastal Mental Health and AgeCare Lakeview. You can hear Ian’s music on Instagram and YouTube channel, as well as at Metrotown Station!

Q: What’s your favourite genre of music? And which artist is your biggest inspiration?

A: I don’t really have any particular favorite music genre. It’s the melody and lyrics that gets me to like a song and not the musical arrangement. But there are artists that have influenced my songwriting. The names include Bono, R.E.M., Robert Smith, Sting, Echo and the Bunnymen, Bee Gees, Lennon and McCartney, ABBA, the list goes on. As a guitarist though, I can only name a handful – The Edge, Andy Summers, Johnny Marr, Kurt Cobain, and Peter Buck.

Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

A: Hahaha… that’s a very funny question and it’s not even easy to answer. There’s just so many I want but if I am to rank it, I guess my first would be mind reading.

Q: Which station do you like performing at the most and why?

A: The Waterfront SeaBus Terminal is where I like performing best. It’s the first venue I played as a busker, and passersby respond positively to my music better in this venue. Some danced in front of me, some sang with me, while others would just stand near me and listen. These are just a few of my memorable moments there.

Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend?

A: Aside from performing in home care centres, busking, learning new songs, and songwriting, whenever time permits, my wife and I would go to restaurants that we haven’t tried dining in yet or go back to those that we already loved.

Q: How do you want people to engage with you while busking?

A: Music is a communication tool. So, seeing people smile and their lips moving with the lyrics is already a valuable validation that I’m doing the right thing and that my music is reaching out to them really well. That’s what keeps me motivated and inspired to keep this going. I’d imagine how happy my mother would have been to see me perform.

Q: Anything fresh you’re working on that transit riders should check out?

A: In my free time, I try to write new songs and hopefully perform them in public places. Putting them together is tough work. But I am confident that slowly I will get there some time. And hopefully, I’ll be able to release my first solo album.

Thank you so much for your time, Ian! Catch you at the next station. 🎸