This weekend, Revolutionary Spaces will present the Raising Voices Festival, a two-day celebration of music, art, and protest in Boston. The festival commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and celebrates the power of protest throughout history.
On September 23rd and 24th, the Washington Street campus—from the Old State House to Old South Meeting House and beyond—will be activated with experiences for all ages. The festival will feature a range of performances and attractions from local and national artists, performers, and community partners.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a performance by Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir at 11:30AM Saturday morning at the Old South Meeting House. Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir are a radical performance community from New York City who use music and humor to protest consumerism, militarism, and other forms of oppression.
In addition to Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir, the Raising Voices Festival will feature a diverse lineup of other artists and activists, including:
- A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus of Boston Workers Circle
- Amanda Shea
- Atlas Soul
- Basel Zayed
- Charles Coe
- Crystal Valentine
- The Folk Collective
- Good Trouble Brass Band with Boston Area Brigade of Activist Musicians (BABAM)
- Jaimé Yawa Dzandu
- Jean Appolon Expressions
- Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums
- Mortal Beasts & Deities
- Naomi Westwater
- Rara Bel Poze
- Thea Hopkins
- Veronica Robles
The Raising Voices Festival is more than just a music festival. It is also a space for people to come together and learn about important social issues. The festival will feature a variety of workshops and panel discussions on topics such as climate change, mass incarceration, and immigrant rights.
In addition to music performances, the Raising Voices Festival will also feature a variety of other activities, including:
- Dance performances
- Theatrical happenings
- Poetry readings
- A beer garden and food vendors
- Street art activations
- New England Revolution Soccer activities
- A Raising Voices Festival Artist Village
- A Revolutionary Street Art Activation
- Food and Drink from Raising Glasses
The Raising Voices Festival is a free event, and everyone is welcome. It is a great opportunity to experience some of the best music and art that Boston has to offer, and to learn more about important social issues.
Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir
Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir are a unique and inspiring force in the world of activism. They use their music and humor to challenge the status quo and to advocate for a more just and sustainable world.
Their performance at the Raising Voices Festival is sure to be a powerful and moving experience. It is a chance to hear their music live, to learn more about their work, and to join them in their fight for a better world.
The Raising Voices Festival is a unique and exciting event that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a music lover, an art enthusiast, or an activist, you will find something to enjoy at the festival.
The festival is also a great opportunity to learn about important social issues and to meet other people who are passionate about making a difference in the world.