Star-Studded “Rise Up, Sing Out” Concert to Champion First Amendment Rights
A powerful coalition of artists, activists, and performers is set to take the stage in New York City for Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment. The event, scheduled for June 14, aims to highlight the importance of U.S. Freedoms and unify audiences against authoritarian challenges to democracy.
Organizers confirmed on Monday (June 1) that actresses Julia Roberts and Lily Gladstone have joined the star-studded lineup. They will appear alongside previously announced performers, including Bette Midler, Patti Smith, and Rufus Wainwright. The event, which will be held at NYC’s Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. ET, is positioned as a night of solidarity and action.
A Call for Unity and Action
The concert is being spearheaded by the Committee for the First Amendment, an organization founded by Jane Fonda. According to Fonda, the event serves as a critical response to the current political climate. “We can’t sit idly by while our rights are at stake,” Fonda stated. “History shows us that when democracy is threatened, song becomes one of our most powerful weapons.”
The evening’s program will also feature appearances by Wilson Cruz, Peppermint, Jenn Colella, Alex Joseph Grayson, Singing Resistance, the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Kayla Davion, and Rev. Adriene Thorne. These participants join an already impressive roster that includes Joy Reid, Sasha Allen, and the Broadway Inspirational Voices.
Event Logistics and Participation
For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be available to watch via a free livestream. Tickets for the Town Hall performance are currently available through riseupsingout.com and Ticketmaster. All proceeds from ticket sales are dedicated to supporting the Committee for the First Amendment.
The event’s production team includes director Schele Williams and music director Mary Mitchell Campbell. It is produced by Bruce Cohen along with the team at rigor + ruckus—Robb Nanus, Heather Shields, and Rachel Sussman—with a script penned by Bess Kalb. The technical side of the production features lighting design by Jamie Roderick, sound design by Cody Spencer, and projection design by Daniel Brodie and Olivia Sebesky, with Linda Marvel serving as production stage manager.
Nationwide Organizing
The concert serves as the anchor for a broader movement. Coinciding with the performance, the No Kings Coalition is organizing a nationwide day of action on June 14. This initiative encourages citizens across the country to host public and private watch parties, fostering local community engagement in support of First Amendment rights.
Key Takeaways
- Event Date: June 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET at NYC’s Town Hall.
- New Additions: Julia Roberts and Lily Gladstone are the latest high-profile names to join the lineup.
- Mission: The concert aims to stand against authoritarian shifts and celebrate democratic freedoms.
- Accessibility: The event will be livestreamed for free, with ticket proceeds supporting the Committee for the First Amendment.
- National Scope: The No Kings Coalition is coordinating watch parties nationwide to coincide with the concert.
As the date approaches, the organizers hope the combination of musical performance and advocacy will serve as a rallying point for those concerned about the state of American democracy. By leveraging the power of art, the Committee for the First Amendment intends to turn the spotlight on the essential protections that define the nation’s civic life.