ACLU of Massachusetts backs protest music anniversary show in Boston

The ACLU of Massachusetts will sponsor the July 21 anniversary edition of Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out at Boston Lyric Opera’s new Opera + Community Studios in Fort Point. The event marks a year of sold-out monthly shows that mix protest songs, live performance and conversation about democracy, justice and solidarity.

Why it matters: - The anniversary show reflects rising demand for a community event that blends live music with civic conversation. - The ACLU of Massachusetts is using the concert to support its Beyond 250: Dare to Create initiative, which is aimed at sparking discussion about strengthening democracy and expanding freedom. - The move also places protest music in a larger public-facing setting after a year of full-capacity monthly shows.

What happened: - The ACLU of Massachusetts will sponsor a special anniversary edition of Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out on July 21, 2026. - The show will take place at Opera + Community Studios, 15 Channel Center Street in Fort Point, Boston. - Boston Lyric Opera operates the new venue. - The event starts at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. - The program is hosted by James Sullivan and Joyce Linehan. - The house band, The Paid Protesters, will back six guest performers. - Kade Crockford, director of technology and justice programs at the ACLU of Massachusetts, will also speak.

The details: - The series has staged 12 monthly shows over the past year at Cambridge’s Lizard Lounge and the Burren in Somerville. - Those shows have repeatedly reached full capacity. - The format uses historic protest songs as a springboard for live performance and dialogue. - Each month, performers present one song tied to themes in Sullivan’s book, Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs, plus an original protest song. - The 90-minute program combines live music, commentary and audience participation. - The anniversary lineup includes The OG’s, Brandie Blaze, the Rubin Brothers, Todd Thibaud, Melissa Ferrick and Elisa Birdseye. - The OG’s are a Boston R&B vocal group featuring Albert “Shorty Mac” Brown, Jabir Pope and Josh Fernandes. - The Rubin Brothers, AJ and Colescott, performed on “American Idol” in 2024 and both received full scholarships to Berklee College of Music. - Thibaud is a Vermont-born, Boston-based singer-songwriter. - Ferrick is in her 30th year as a songwriter. - Birdseye is a classically trained violist who also plays with Boston ILL Harmonic and the Richie Parsons Band. - Previous guests across the series have included Ezra Furman, Naomi Westwater, Veronica Robles, Robin Lane, Will Dailey, Chad Stokes, Tanya Donnelly, Sarah Borges, Mercedes Escobar, Yaryna Tsymbal and the Damaged Gods featuring members of Gang of Four. - The series has also featured speakers including Dr. Emmett Price III, Maya Wiley, Imari Paris-Jeffries, Rahsaan Hall, Danny Goldberg and Carol Rose. - Admission is pay-what-you-want, with a $5 minimum. - Contributions will support performers, direct costs and event staff. - Advance reservations open Thursday, July 9 at noon. - All ages are welcome. - The lineup is subject to change without notice. - More information and reservations are available here. - The event will include a limited menu curated by Boston Lyric Opera’s caterer and a bar with beer and wine.

Between the lines: - The show’s move to a larger venue suggests the series has outgrown its original monthly spaces. - The mix of protest music, teach-in elements and audience participation points to an event designed as much for civic belonging as for entertainment. - The ACLU’s sponsorship signals an effort to connect arts programming with democracy-focused advocacy. - Sullivan said protest songs have helped people make sense of turbulent times, and the series has aimed to help audiences do the same over the past year. - Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, said community-building is key to defeating authoritarianism and that freedom is more fun when it involves great music. - Linehan said people are coming for the feeling in the room and the chance to build solidarity through music and art.

What's next: - Reservations open July 9 at noon. - The anniversary concert takes place July 21. - The series is expected to continue as interest remains strong and the venue expands capacity. - The ACLU of Massachusetts will likely keep using arts-based events to promote discussion around democracy and freedom.