Join us! The public is invited to attend this series of free events.

Social and political movements use music as a means of expression, persuasion, and mobilization. Throughout history and throughout the world, music has been an ever-present force for social justice.

Music is emotive and creates a feeling of belonging; it can speak in code, rendering it acceptable to the mainstream even as it forwards the specific social agenda of a particular group of people.

This colloquium features activist musicians who will discuss and perform their music, emphasizing the power of music to shape political and social experience.

| SCHEDULE | HONORS PROGRAM |

This colloquium is dedicated to the life and memory of Stephen Myles.

Colloquium Coordinators: Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita, Psychology; Professor Joseph Parillo, Music; Professor Stephen Wood, Communication Studies.

Major Sponsors: David and Tracey Maron, The Providence Journal, URI Division of University Advancement, URI Honors Program, URI Office of the Provost, URI President's Office.

Co-sponsors: American Association of University Professors, Judith Anderson, Bob Carothers and Jayne Richmond, Tom Dougan, Ken and Susan Kermes, Mark '64 and Donna Ross Hon. '02, Schmidt Labor Research Center, URI College of Arts and Sciences, URI Communication Studies Program, URI Division of Administration, URI Film Studies Program, URI Women's Studies Program, Steve and Judy Wood.

Friends: John MacDonald, URI Women's Center, Wakefield Music (Dennis Costa), Don and Betty Williams.

URI is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of affirmative action.

Unless otherwise noted, events take place at 7:30 p.m. in Edwards Auditorium at URI’s main campus in Kingston.

For directions to Edwards Auditorium

For a parking map of the campus.

Please visit http://www.uri.edu/hc for the most current colloquium information and directions, or contact the URI Honors Center at 401-874-2381 or debg@uri.edu.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation, please call 401-874-2303 at least three business days in advance. For TTY assistance, please call the R.I. Relay Service at 1-800-745-5555.

© 2009 University of Rhode Island. All rights reserved. Produced by the URI Honors Program. Kingston, RI 02881 or call 401- 874-2303.

The University of Rhode Island prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation and discrimination against disabled and Vietnam era veterans.


Tuesday, September 12, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Chuck D The Political Power of Hip-Hop

Rapper Chuck D is the founder of Public Enemy. He is also an author, activist, producer, and radio personality, and is recognized as hip-hop's most respected intellectual.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, September 19, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Tom Paxton A Musical Documentary: 50 Years of History in Song

Folk singer-songwriter Tom Paxton is revered by fans and fellow musicians for his musical brilliance and his dedication to addressing issues of social justice. His songs satirize modern culture and celebrate family and community.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, September 26, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Tricia Rose with AS220 Hip-Hop Culture

Tricia Rose is a professor, author, hip-hop scholar, feminist, and respected commentator on politics, popular culture, and gender issues. She is joined by Providence's AS220, a group of talented, high-energy high school students using music to explore the challenges faced by inner-city youths.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, October 3, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Utah Phillips and Faith Petric Songs of the Union Movement

Legendary activist/musicians Utah Phillips and Faith Petric have dedicated their musical careers to social justice, particularly the labor and union movements. Petric has been performing for the past half century, challenging contemporary paradigms of justice. Phillips is an anarchist, labor organizer, folk singer, storyteller, poet, and rabble-rouser.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, October 10, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Agustin Lira and Alma Chicano Songs: From United Farm Workers to Contemporary Immigration Issues

Celebrated activist and musician Agustin Lira and the all-acoustic musical ensemble Alma perform music that brings Chicano/Latino experiences and the struggles of farm workers to life.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, October 17, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Peggy Seeger, Rosalie Sorrels, and Ronnie Gilbert Women in Song

Folk counterculture legends Peggy Seeger, Rosalie Sorrels, and Ronnie Gilbert have inspired generations of musician/activists. A "quintessential very hip grandma," Seeger has dedicated most of her music to the women's movement. Sorrels is an icon of the folk counterculture and a collector and performer of traditional American folk songs. Gilbert, a founding member of the Weavers, is a musician, writer, teacher, and activist, particularly interested in feminism and global peace.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, October 24, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Kim and Reggie Harris, Magpie, and Sonny Ochs From Slavery to Civil Rights

Kim and Reggie Harris are joined by Magpie and Sonny Ochs in an exploration of the role music has played in the Civil Rights Movement. The Harrises use their music as a way to teach social change. Magpie (Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner) are musically vocal about many issues including the importance of respecting the earth, and issues of social change and racism. They will be joined by Sonny Ochs, sister of the late, legendary Phil Ochs.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, October 31, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Ember Swift Igniting Sound, Fueling Change

Canada's Ember Swift is a talented and versatile singer-songwriter whose music addresses issues such as globalization, consumer awareness, food politics, disengaging from capitalist greed, feminism, queer politics, racism, and environmentalism.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, November 7, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Election Day No colloquium event scheduled.

Chafee Auditorium, URI, Kingston




Wednesday, November 8, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Anne Feeney and David Rovics The Front Line of Protest

Anne Feeney and David Rovics are both outspoken musicians who use music as a means of political protest. Feeney has been dubbed the "minister of culture" to the movements for economic and social justice and human rights. Rovics' music concerns topical subjects such as the Iraq War, anti-globalization, and social justice issues.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, November 14, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Buffy Sainte-Marie and Bill Miller Songs of and by Native Americans

Native American musicians Buffy Sainte-Marie and Bill Miller are renowned for their musical talents and for their commitment to advocating for Native Americans. Since the 1960s, Sainte-Marie has been a voice for the native peoples of the world. Grammy Award winner Bill Miller has long been a voice for the voiceless, a link between two great and clashing civilizations.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, November 21, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Week No colloquium event scheduled.

Chafee Auditorium, URI, Kingston




Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:30 p.m.

Joyce Katzberg, Charlie King, and Karen Brandow On the Cutting Edge

These award-winning local musicians will explore the many contemporary issues that they sing about on a daily basis. Based in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, they will probe the local, regional, national, and international issues that guide their experiences as performers.

Edwards Auditorium




Tuesday, December 5, 2006 7:30 p.m.

The Vanaver Caravan with Nora Guthrie Pastures of Plenty, A Tribute to Woody Guthrie

Folk music and dance ensemble The Vanaver Caravan will present Pastures of Plenty, a tribute to Woody Guthrie in dance and music. They will be joined by WoodyÕs daughter, Nora Guthrie, director of the Woody Guthrie Foundation. Woody GuthrieÕs message of hope and peace is palpable in this show: "The note of hope is the only note that can help us or save us from falling to the bottom of evolution, because, largely, about all a human being is anyway is just a hoping machine."

Edwards Auditorium