The group Racial Justice Rising has scheduled a free concert, “Voices of Dissent: Music of Activism,” Saturday.
“Music is such an integral part of activism across the spectrum,” says Cate Woolner, a spokeswoman for the group. “Bringing musicians together to sing songs of racism, liberation and gospel for all; music inspires people to keep on going.”
Performers will include Granby-based Marcia Gomes, whose songs, inspired by jazz, gospel, Latin and R&B, explore themes of faith, redemption, and social justice; and Greenfield-based singer-songwriter “folkpoet” Arjuna Greist, who has performed at women’s festivals, pride events, colleges, coffee houses and living rooms from Southern California to Toronto.
Also on the program are New Haven, Conn.-based accordionist, composer and vocalist Adam Matlock; Greenfield-based Gloria DeLayne Matlock, an educator, dancer, poet, chorus director and playwright whose workshops throughout the United States and beyond have used music to help heal racism; and Boston-based singer Licia Sky, who combines sassy blues, sultry jazz and mellow folk.
Strong Oak Lefebvre, who helped organize the concert, says, “The idea is to showcase voices of dissent to address the oppression that people are feeling and their ability to respond to it.”
The concert, at 10:15 a.m., will take place at First Congregational Church, 43 Silver St. in Greenfield. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. Child care is available. Anyone interested is asked to RSVP with the number and ages of children to email@racialjusticerising.org