Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out at The Burren Backroom

Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out is a monthly series at The Burren Backroom in Somerville that pairs live protest song performances with conversation about the role of music in movements for justice and social change. Inspired by James Sullivan's book Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs, the 90-minute program combines live performance, commentary, and audience participation in a format that functions as concert, teach-in, and community gathering. Produced by Joyce Linehan, Jon Lupfer, and Sullivan, the May 19 edition features performers Joan Anderman, The Bags, Mark Erelli, Najee Janey, Brendan Murphy (Autumn Hollow), and Safiya, backed by the house band The Paid Protesters, led by Magen Tracy. Past participants have included Ezra Furman, Tanya Donnelly, Chad Stokes (Dispatch), Joe Gittleman (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones), and Robin Lane, among many others.