'Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out ' with New Voices and Urgent Songs Nov. 18, 2025, at The Burren, Somerville, MA
Singer/songwriter Will Daley (2nd fr L) and musician/activist Chadwick Stokes (of Dispatch) at a recent Which Side? at The Burren
Author James Sullivan at Which Side? at The Burren earlier this year
Thea Hopkins, a member of Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, performing "Red Roots Americana" music at the most recent “Which Side” night
Monthly Series Has Become a Gathering Place for Community, Conversation, and Resistance Through Music
When many of us are feeling isolated or powerless, Which Side? is an act of joy, creativity, & unity. We come together, share music, and remember that collective action and culture will sustain us.”
SOMERVILLE, MA, UNITED STATES, October 31, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out returns to The Burren Back Room in Somerville, MA on November 18 for its fifth edition, continuing a powerful tradition of song, storytelling, and solidarity. What began as an idea to spark ongoing conversations about protest music has grown into a monthly gathering where artists and audiences come together to reflect, recharge, and raise their voices through song and community.— Joyce Linehan, producer
The ongoing series uses local author James Sullivan’s book "Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs" as a jumping-off point for live performance and discussion about how music gives voice to resistance, advocacy, and change. Each month, musicians interpret songs from the book and pair them with their own original or contemporary protest material, connecting past struggles to the present moment.
The November lineup features Victoria Cardona, Ali McGuirk, Yaryna Tsymbal, Barrence Whitfield, Thalia Zedek, and a special performance by The Funtime Hour Players, each performing two songs—one drawn from Sullivan’s book and one of their own. Performers will be backed by the house band The Paid Protesters — Ed Valauskas (music director), Anthony Kaczynski, Paul Buckley, Magen Tracy, and others.
Produced by Joyce Linehan, Jon Lupfer, and Sullivan, the 90-minute program combines live performance, commentary, and audience participation, creating a space that’s equal parts concert, teach-in, and community meeting.
“This series started as an experiment, and now it’s become something people – myself included – draw strength from,” said producer Joyce Linehan. “At a time when so many of us are feeling isolated or powerless, Which Side? is an act of joy, creativity, and unity, where we come together, share music, and remember that collective action—and culture—will sustain us.”
“As a journalist, I’ve always been the guy in the back of the room with my notepad,” said Sullivan. “It’s been an honor to step onstage with these great musicians and help them raise their voices, at a time when we desperately need to hear from them.”
Event Details:
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 18, 8:00 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.)
Location: The Burren Back Room, 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA
Admission: Pay-what-you-want. Proceeds support the musicians and staff; any additional proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit fighting to protect intellectual freedom.
Seating Policy: Reservations strongly suggested; tickets will be released at 7:30 p.m. if not claimed. All ages welcome. Lineup subject to change without notice.
Adam R. Klein
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