This week, a coalition – including students from Parkland and Newtown—with gun violence prevention artists, activists and organizations, will reprise last year’s Concert Across America to End Gun Violence. Events range from selfie soloists to over 40 live concerts, digitally connected by #ConcertAcrossAmerica and ConcertAcrossAmerica.org.
On Sunday, September 23rd, Don’t Tell Mama will be one of the venues for the 200+ concerts and shows across the country that day, which will raise awareness for the need to change our gun laws in the U.S. Each group is independently produced. 100% of our proceeds will be donated to the local grassroots anti-gun violence group, Operation LIPSTICK.
All-star lineup includes: Rick Jensen, Music Director; Lina Koutrakos, Director; Eren T. Gibson, Emcee
Singers: Fred Aiese, Matthew Stewart, Ari Axelrod, Mary Sue Daniels, Jeffrey M. Wright, Merry Keller, Liz Murphy, Merry Keller, John DePalma, Donna Weinsting, Julius Hollingsworth, William Hubner, Ruth Carlin Sudock, Caitlin Fahey, Lisa Yaeger, Mikki Milone, Dorian Woodruff, Patti Bottino-Bravo and Chet Whye, Jr.
Produced by Katie Dunne McGrath, Unarmed and Dangerous.
The ten days of events will kick off on September 20th in Boston and in New York.
In Boston, at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, the band Dispatch and special guest Nahko and Medicine for the People are dedicating their September 20th show to the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence.
“Throughout our summer tour we invited grassroots gun violence prevention organizations to join us at our shows. We couldn’t think of a better way to end this tour than kicking off the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence” said Brad Corrigan and Chad Urmston of Dispatch. “We are proud to support Stop Handgun Violence and the efforts of organizations and groups across the country committed to keeping our schools, concert halls and other public spaces free from the fear of gun violence.”
In New York, Rosanne Cash will be joined by Stop Handgun Violence founder John Rosenthal, musician Mark Erelli and author Kurt Andersen for part of the “Conversations That Matter” series, at The Church of St. Luke in the Fields. “I am excited to be joined by such talented and passionate individuals for a night of music and conversation about gun violence prevention” said Rosanne Cash “Standing together in unity is the key to ending this epidemic.”
Musicians around the world are participating in our challenge to beat last year’s sing-along record. Participants will record a video of themselves singing “Shine” by Andrea Peña and Sawyer Garrity, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, FL and post it on social media using #ConcertAcrossAmerica. Early videos include one from Kyoto, Japan and another from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“For me and Sawyer, not only was this song a way for us to heal, but it was also for the victims,” Andrea Peña said. “We got to be a voice for those who didn’t have one anymore. That’s what the song was about.”
“I write songs all the time,” Sawyer Garrity said. “Writing is my outlet. Some people will call a friend and rant to their friend; I’ll pick up my guitar and rant to my guitar.”
“We are so honored to have our song be chosen as this year’s one song for peace and can’t wait to see everyone’s video,” said Sawyer and Andrea.
“This year, we brought back the sing-along to provide a way for individuals inside and outside of major cities to unify their efforts,” said Concert Chair John Rosenthal. “Most gun violence is preventable. Urban Massachusetts has the lowest gun death rate in the nation and has proven the NRA’s worst nightmare. Gun laws save lives! Gun violence affects all communities and this national effort gives everyone an opportunity to work towards a solution.”
A full list of participating cities, karaoke tracks for the sing-along challenge and more can be found online at concertacrossamerica.org.
About The Concert Across America:
In its third year, The Concert Across America will take place from Sept. 20th to Sept. 30th, originally scheduled in 2016 to coincide with the Congressionally designated day of remembrance for murder victims (September 25th). This nationwide musical experience, spearheaded by Stop Handgun Violence in Boston, brings together a network of organizations, activists and artists to take a united stand against gun violence.
Click here for more information.
For tickets click here
Don’t Tell Mama is located at 343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036. (212) 757-0788
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