Trans-Atlantic Song Session: Songs of Freedom and Struggle

PMN TRANS-ATLANTIC SONG SESSION

Sunday, January 16th, 2022

– In the Eastern US: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

– In the UK: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

The People's Music Network (PMN) continues our series of music sharing events to forge international links among musicians in the United States and the United Kingdom who use their music in the service of movements for justice.

REGISTRATION: To receive the Zoom link for this Trans-Atlantic Song Session, register using this form.  There is no fee to register, but any financial contribution you make supports the People's Music Network.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:  This Trans-Atlantic Song Session will be like singers sessions found in folk clubs throughout the UK and open mic nights in the US.  Hosts will call upon as many participants as time allows, but there won't be pre-assigned performance slots.  When called upon, you will have up to five minutes of performance time for a song, recitation, or poem.  This session will not be livestreamed publicly to the PMN Facebook and Youtube channels.  If you want to listen only, be sure to register using the "audience" registration option.  Your five minutes includes a brief comment about the previous performer plus any introduction.   We request that participants attend the entire session.

THEME: The previous day will be Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 93rd birthday. We ask that you honor his life by choosing a song, recitation, or poem that focuses on freedom, peace, social justice, human rights, and/or liberation.

ELIGIBILITY TO PERFORM: All participants in this singers session must...

• Either be a PMN member in good standing, or else be invited by the session hosts.
• Register using this form
• Have a computer or tablet with a functioning video camera and microphone.

* If you are not yet a member of PMN, you may join here: https://www.peoplesmusic.org/join-PMN

HOW WE SELECT PERFORMERS:

• If you have been invited by the session hosts (Russ Chandler and Steve Suffet), you are assured of a performance slot.
• We are aiming to have about half the performers be from the UK and the other half be from North America.  One of the goals is building person to person links across national borders.  Most of the invited artists are from the UK.
• If you would like to perform, at the bottom of your Zoom screen, click on "REACTIONS", and then click on "RAISE HAND".  The MC will call upon as many participants as time allows.  If we can't fit you in this time, anticipate more opportunities soon!

ABOUT PMN: With roots going back to 1977, the People's Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle is a diverse community of performing artists, activists, and allies, based mostly in the US, who use music, poetry, and other art forms as catalysts for a just and peaceful world. Before the pandemic, PMN's main activity had been holding two large in-person get-togethers each year referred to as "convergences".  In 2021, PMN held two major Virtual Convergence events.  Our upcoming PMN Winter Convergence from January 28-30, 2022 will be held on-line as well and will feature a dedicated track of workshops focused on building Trans-Atlantic Musical connections.  In addition, PMN also sponsors regular on-line events for members, including song swaps, songwriting workshops, and concerts.