Pride Across America 

"Pride Across America” is a concert of anthems. The concert theme was being mapped out, before the recent election and even post election was debated on whether it still met the moment and what should be performed, given all that is happening here at home. In our 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and even prior to colonization, the fabric of America is one of many voices, many stories, and many songs. So although it may be hard at times to look around and find Pride there are many things we can still find hope in across the country.

One may take pride in our civil society which incorporates the rights of free speech and the right to peacefully assemble and protest. The right to hold free and fair elections and the right to petition the government and the right for due process. 

One may also take pride in all or particular geographies that are the topography of the United States. The diverse geography of the coasts, the deep woodlands, the high mountains, and the stark, beautiful desserts and plains. People are moved by these vistas which have inspired artists, songwriters and storytellers. 

One may take pride in the heritage stories of their family and the traditions that were carried on as well as ones almost lost. The stories of escape, new hope, and struggle in a new land. Stories of racial injustice, economic injustice, and the social justice movements that spark change. We can take pride in the preservation of these stories and failed attempts to erase cultural traditions and history. They are reflected in our music, which includes Indigenous, gospel, jazz, pop, rap, or rock and roll.

In preparing for this we have reviewed over 100 song selections. Telling all aspects of all of these stories would result in a concert much longer than that of a Ken Burns film series.  May this concert and each note sung, be a thread that represents the multitude that is America, and represents the fabric of unity, love and hope.