Okee dokee folks… Soon we should know whether this country is going to completely fall into fascism, erupt into civil war, or maintain democracy, as it should.
A few weeks ago, Tom Morello presented the Power to the People Festival in Maryland. (powertothepeoplefest.com) On the bill were performers such as Springsteen, Joan Baez, Foo Fighters, Dropkick Murphys, Dave Matthews, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, Stephen Stills, Nathaniel Rateliff, and many others, including Morello. This fest was touted as a “celebration of peace, love, justice, music, and community action” and the money raised went to pro-democracy, pro-voter organizations. The show closed with an all-star rendition of Neil Young’s “Keep On Rocking In the Free World.” This song has become an anthem for these times. Hopefully the true meaning is not lost.
This is the kind of event that should be held in every state, especially the red ones. Performers speaking up and using their place on stage should be more prevalent. This is the energy that has been needed. Music has the power to enact social change. People who complain about musicians speaking up are historically on the wrong side of most issues. Legendary performers such as the ones listed above are speaking up for us. When Kid Rock and Ted Nugent are all you have as your voice, you are obviously on the wrong side. I noticed folks commented that a lot of the PTTP line-up was made up of older musicians and that the younger generation of performers need to step up and write more socially conscious music. I agree: We need 1,000 more Jesse Welles! I feel that socially conscious music should be spread more widely across more platforms. I have tried to do my part by at least promoting it here and writing my own songs of protest.
I always make a note when I find a socially conscious song to share, and this month I’d like to make you aware of several.
This one is a couple of years old, but it’s very poignant now: Willie Nelson “Vote ‘Em Out”: youtube.com/watch?v=7CjH7hOuq_Q&list=RD7CjH7hOuq_Q&start_radio=1
Then there is Willie’s son, Micah, AKA Particle Kid, who wrote “Everything Is Bullshit.” It’s a couple of years old, but I was reminded of it when they performed the song at Farm Aid ‘26 at the end of September. youtube.com/watch?v=Gq5XfutsPkA&list=RDGq5XfutsPkA&start_radio=1
Billy Simmons, Jr. “The Sheep Song”: youtube.com/watch?v=8nxiE-k8SkU
Better Midler and Barbara Hershey: “All You Fascists” youtube.com/watch?v=uBj57ivPsxQ&list=RDuBj57ivPsxQ&start_radio=1
Jesse Welles’ ever-growing list of great songs is too long for this space, but these select songs should definitely be listened to: “Death By Firing Squad,” “There’s A Hole,” “The Poor,” ”Red,” and “Nerd Reich.” Best to just keep tabs on his YouTube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCmb7zAvq9IxHi_UnP93AVSQ
If you are up for a drive to Boston, you should visit The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame and see the Chimes of Freedom — Patriotism, Protest, and the Power of Song exhibit. This “explores how music has shaped social awareness and inspired change throughout American history.” It runs until February 2027. The FARHOF is located at 270 Tremont Street. For more, revolution over to: folkamericanarootshalloffame.org
Last issue I mentioned how the economy will probably affect some venues. It has started. Nick-A-Nees has a GoFundMe campaign running to help them cover costs, and fortunately the drive has already doubled the needed amount. gofundme.com/f/help-keep-nickanees-alive-a-providence-institution) Over in Putnam, CT, The Stomping Ground, which is one of my favorite venues to play, also has a GoFundMe campaign running. Theirs is just getting going and has a long way to go to meet the goal. (gofundme.com/f/support-the-stomps-new-lounge-and-repairs) If you could show them some love, that’d be great! They have very yummy food, music six nights a week, great drinks, and a very funky atmosphere. Unfortunately, two other places have closed and stopped music — The Oak Hill Tavern in North Kingston has temporarily closed and has changed owners. There is no word yet about the future of music there. The Joyce restaurant in Wakefield closed suddenly, canceling all upcoming music. Hopefully things turn around soon.
With the little space left, I am going to recommend a few shows for you to consider. String Cheese Incident on 10/29 (see story at motifri.com/xxx, Dark Star Orchestra on 11/12 at PPAC. (ppacri.org); comedian Bert Kreischer at Vets (thevetsri.com); Orleans — their final tour on 11/6 at The Greenwich Odeum (greenwichodeum.com); Marty Stuart 11/8 (main theatre), David Tessier 10/29, and the Berger Boys 11/19 at Park Theatre’s Home Grown Series 848 Side Stage(theparkri.com); Jason Robert Brown with Broadway Guests at The Narrows on 11/6 (narrowscenter.org); Peppino D’Agostino on 10/31 and Rock Hearts on 11/14 at Blackstone River Theatre (brtri.org); Sabrina TV cast reunion (the classic version, at the Uptown Theatre on 11/1; Jeff Tweedy on 11/3 (uptownpvd.com); Billy Gilman 11/1, Bluebird concert: Green, Satcha, and Arata at The United Theatre (unitedtheatre.org); and Mike Dawes on 11/4, and Hubby Jenkins 11/14 at the Garde Theatre.
That’s it for now. You can listen to my podcasts at motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast. You can find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening.