Please join us to celebrate our 25th anniversary!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
in Eastworks (116 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA)
with
A Conversation about "Artists as Activists" at 7:30 pm, with Gina Belafonte, Ellen Meeropol and Erin McKeown, moderated by Jenn Meeropol
and
a short film with salutes from Angela Davis, Holly Near, and many of the other artists, activists, and allies who have helped us reach this milestone.
followed by
a 9:30 concert by Erin McKeown, with opening by A Besere Velt (A Better World) Yiddish Chorus
Tickets $25 and $125 (student/low income $15), on sale later this summer
Meet the participants
Actress and artist Gina Belafonte co-directs Sankofa, the organization her father Harry started to encourage artists to use their platforms to work for social change. Born and raised in New York City, Gina Belafonte has spent her life in the arenas of entertainment and activism where her professional work thrives today. As the youngest child of Julie and Harry Belafonte, whose impact in these fields is among the most influential and progressive in the world, Gina’s passions come as no surprise. Gina was the lead producer on the internationally acclaimed documentary film, SING YOUR SONG, exploring the extraordinary life and legacy of Harry Belafonte that was selected as the opening film for the Sundance Film Festival in 2011.
Erin McKeown is an internationally known musician, writer, and producer. With 9 full length albums, 2 EPs, and numerous soundtracks to her credit, she has spent the last 15 years crafting a reputation as an original musical voice and compelling live performer. An active voice on social justice issues and culture, Erin was a 2011-12 fellow at Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet and Society. Recently, she’s also added radio to her resume- blogging and hosting for WNYC New York Public Radio. A member of the board of the Future of Music Coalition, McKeown also works closely with Air Traffic Control on immigration issues.
Author Ellen Meeropol has been the artistic heart of the RFC since its inception, serving on first the Board of Directors and now its Advisory Board, since the organization's inception. Ellen wrote all of the RFC’s Celebrate the Children of Restisance scripts, and her new novel, On Hurricane Island, which asks what happens when the U.S. treats its own citizens the way it does so called “enemy combatants.”
A Besere Velt (A Better World), who performed in the RFC's 2007 Celebrate the Children of Resistance, is proud to be a “voice” for justice. This 92-member community chorus weaves the heartache and irrepressible idealism of Yiddish folk music into a vision of justice and humanity for the 21st century. From haunting melodies to workers’ anthems, the songs come alive with multi-layered harmonies.