Emma’s Revolution will perform a benefit concert for the Universalist Church of West Hartford on Sept. 23, 2023.
Submitted
Award-winning, activist singer/songwriting duo Emma’s Revolution will perform a fundraising concert for the Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern Street, West Hartford, CT, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at 8 p.m. The concert will be staged in-person and livestreamed on YouTube Live with replay available.
The New York Times calls the duo’s performance “Fervent and heartfelt.”
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies that you can’t resist singing, Emma’s Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries and Sandy O. Performances feature the duo’s signature soaring harmonies and lush acoustic instruments. Their songs span folk to jazz and funk to rock. Now in their 20th year, the duo writes songs about critical issues happening around the world. Lending their voices to the movements those issues inspire, Emma’s Revolution delivers moving, uplifting performances, on stage and screen.
Emma’s Revolution’s songs have been praised by Pete Seeger, covered by Holly Near, featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and Pacifica’s “Democracy Now,” and sung around the world.
“The powers that be can control the media but it’s hard to stop a good song … Pat’s songs will be sung well into the 22nd century.” Seeger said.
Emma’s Revolution. Photo credit: Irene Young
Emma’s Revolution carries on the spirit of their mentor, Pete Seeger. “Activist musicians inherit a legacy of the indivisibility of truth-telling and soul-stirring,” Pat Humphries explained. “We sing stories wrapped in the taste of freedom, triumph of overcoming, and grief of injustice. We weave stories, melodies, and harmonies in a rich alchemy of vintage genres and emerging sounds to create an experience full of humor, heart, and hope.”
Not many performing groups make it past 20 years in the business. Emma’s Revolution credits their staying power to the depth of their friendship and their commitment to justice, and the justice-seeking communities they perform for. “Especially in these challenging times – with climate chaos, the war in Ukraine, and the continuing effects of the pandemic – we are buoyed and inspired by the activists and communities we work with. Singing is part of what keeps us grounded and connected to one another,” reflected Pat. Sandy O. continued, “We love that folks seek us, and our music, out to keep themselves energized. We’re excited to come to the Universalist Church of West Hartford!”
As independent artists, and queer and non-conforming women, Emma’s Revolution has a national presence among communities, organizations, and venues that share the duo’s visions of valuing people over profits, choosing compassion over violence, demanding accountability, and building a more just and sustainable world. Emma’s Revolution is well known to Unitarian Universalist (UU) audiences. They perform at international and national gatherings, convocations, and congregations, as well as at coffeehouses across the country. Their songs, “Keep on Moving Forward,” “Swimming to the Other Side,” and “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” are sung by congregations across the country, and are included in the “Earth and Spirit Songbook,” the UU Tapestry of Faith series, and the UU Spanish Hymnal.
In the spirit of Emma Goldman’s famous attribution, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” Emma’s Revolution brings their uprising of truth and hope to concerts, as well as peace, justice, labor, human rights, environmental, LGBTQIA+, and women’s rights events across the country. Emma’s Revolution has toured in the U.S., Canada, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua, Cuba, Chile, and Korea. The duo is thrilled to be back on the road, performing at in-person and hybrid events.
Activist singer/songwriting duo Emma’s Revolution’s concert will be held at the Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern Street, West Hartford, CT, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at 8 p.m. In-person tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. There will also be a livestream replay on YouTube Live for $25. Tickets can be purchased online here.
The Universalist Church of West Hartford is an inclusive religious community founded on the Unitarian Universalist principles of love, acceptance, justice, and service, and is located at 433 Fern Street in West Hartford, CT. Services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. — in person and virtually on its YouTube channel — and include a mix of inspiring words and music. You can learn more the Universalist Church of West Hartford at www.WestHartfordUU.org.
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.
