Pop-up concert in downtown Manchester to celebrate the First Amendment
by Sara Swanson
Downtown business owners have come together to sponsor a pop-up concert, RISE UP * SING OUT MANCHESTER, to celebrate the First Amendment on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14, from 5:30pm – 7pm at the Manchester Mill on the Water, 201 E Main St. Live performers include Judy Banker, Daryl Blair, Paula D., Dave Disch, Bill Edwards, Billy King, Ken Kozora, The Kristones and more! The event is free to attend but there is a suggested donation of $10 (no credit cards.) RSVP appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/SingOutManchester.
The event organizers state, “A gathering to celebrate the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment — of speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest. Feel the power of community, which fuels these rights and is essential to maintain them.”
Sponsors include Dragonfly and Birch, Manchester Brewery, Manchester Mill on the Water, Manchester Diner, and SteeleGrafix.
Jason Cooper, owner of the Manchester Brewery explained why he was co-sponsoring the concert. He stated, “In addition to [organizers] Linda Knox and her husband being great customers of ours, we felt like this event celebrates local artists and musicians (which is a top focus at the brewery). Also supporting 1st amendment rights is not a politically right or left ideal. It’s a human right as an American so that is very easy for us to get behind without taking a political stance.”
Merrill Guerra, owner of Dragonfly and Birch added, “Freedom of speech and separation of church and state are major hallmarks of our democracy. This patriotic celebration reminds us of the significance of these freedoms which we take for granted at our peril.”
This live pop-up concert is in fellowship with the Committee for the First Amendment. The live concert will be followed by a watch party to view the NYC concert featuring Rufus Wainright, Bette Midler, Patti Smith and more at Dragonfly and Birch, 115 E. Main St. Visit riseupsingout.com for more information.
Organizers added , “Manchester area musicians and spoken word artists are invited to perform a song or two and to join the grand finale. Songs should celebrate free speech – freely interpreted! Our goal is to present artists who represent the community broadly.”
To join the roster or for more information please contact Linda Knox at Linda.k.knox@gmail.com.
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