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Hoboken will present a “Songs of Freedom” concert, July 16.
“If there ever was a time to protest the lying bastards in charge and celebrate our freedom, it is now,” said singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston, who will join a diverse group of musicians at the free “Songs of Freedom: An Evening of Popular, Classic, Protest Songs” concert, July 16 at Hoboken’s Sinatra Park Amphitheater.
“I was very happy to be invited by Geri Fallo, who organized the event,” said Johnston, whose songs capture despair and longing through haunting and often upbeat melodies and poetic lyrics. “I have to admit, I don’t really have a favorite protest song, which is a glaring fault I have to live with. ‘For What It’s Worth’ and ‘Eve of Destruction’ are the two songs I’ll be playing with the band.”
In addition to Johnston, performers will include Eddie Skuller, Charlie Nieland, David Calamoneri, Jaime Della Fave, Danny Shot, Ed Fogarty, Mike Tichy, Bill McGarvey, Wendy Joyner, Abbe Rivers, Annalee Van Kleeck, Jeremy Beck, Julio Fernandez, The Gefkens, Tom Vincent and The Jersey City Resistance Choir. The ICE Breakers house band will include Ben Butler, Dave Post, Art Desimine, Dave Stengel and others.
At a time when many people are searching for a collective rallying cry, “Songs of Freedom” aims to provide both inspiration and comfort. From Woody Guthrie to Joan Baez, Rage Against the Machine and Kendrick Lamar, protest music has encouraged civic engagement, shaped activism, and offered hope. As Baez told me in a 2024 interview, music often acts as “the glue” that binds people together in pursuit of change.
“We want ‘Songs of Freedom’ to make a real difference in people’s lives,” “Songs of Freedom” organizers said in a press release. “Therefore, we’ve partnered with … organizations whose representatives will be on hand to educate attendees on how they can offer assistance, either through actions or financial support, to those with a family member who has been detained.”
The organizations include SOL, Estamos Unidos and Cosecha New Jersey. Jersey City-based SOL (Spirit of Liberation) is focused on collective liberation, direct action, mutual aid and political education. Estamos Unidos is dedicated to protecting, educating and providing mutual aid to immigrant families. Cosecha New Jersey works to achieve protection, dignity and respect for all immigrants.
The concert’s title evokes a long tradition of songs that have accompanied movements for civil rights, labor rights, peace and social justice — songs that remind us that that we are not alone, and that there is value in raising our voices.
“Songs of Freedom: An Evening of Popular, Classic, Protest Songs” — co-sponsored by Hoboken Resist, The Hoboken Historical Museum and The Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs — will take place at The Sinatra Park Amphitheater, July 16 at 7 p.m. There will be no admission charge. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors, to Hoboken Middle School. Visit hobokennj.gov.
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