UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The second-annual Political Song-a-Palooza, a musical showcase sponsored by Penn State University Libraries and featuring new, old and original political or protest music, takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the State Theatre in downtown State College, Pennsylvania.
The musical event is free, with registration, and offers a unique night of live music including classic American protest songs, songs expressing the immigrant experience and some incredible original material. Performers include Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni chosen by audition.
“After last year’s successful concert, it was evident that the community wanted the event to happen again,” said Political-Song-a-Palooza co-creator and organizer Andrew Dudash, assistant librarian for political science, policy studies and government information. “The desire to share political and protest views through song is important to our community, and the University Libraries hopes many people join us again to enjoy a great evening of music.”
Political Song-a-Palooza is the culminating event of the University Libraries Political Song Series for 2023-24, celebrating the history and legacy of political and protest songs. The series highlights music of many nations and time periods that has contributed to political dialogue, shaped cultural landscapes, and inspired movements of social and political change worldwide.
The first event in the series, part of celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month in October, featured the Latin alternative band Las Cafeteras. The band presented "A People’s History of Music in the United States," an interactive timeline of video and audio clips that highlighted artists who risked their careers —and lives — by using music as a tool to fight oppression and offer hope for liberation. The event included performances by Las Cafeteras and culminated with a short songwriting workshop.
“Our goals were to create a unique outreach event for our community; offer an outlet for creativity and civic engagement; and provide student internship opportunities grounded in experiential learning,” said Dudash’s Political Song Series co-creator and organizer Rebekah Hill, assistant librarian for music and the performing arts. “Political Song-a-Palooza highlights the educational impact of the University Libraries through live performance.”
For more information, visit Political Song-a-Palooza’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. View last year’s concert of more than 15 performers, here. Visit the State Theatre website for tickets and more information.
Partners include the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, The McCourtney Institute for Democracy and the Rock Ethics Institute, with support from the Kerry and Janice (Harms) Kissinger Libraries Excellence Endowment.
For questions about physical access and accommodation, contact Andrew Dudash at amd846@psu.edu or Rebekah Hill at rqh5509@psu.edu prior to the event.