In the days after the Orlando shooting massacre in June that killed 49 and injured 53 at a gay nightclub in Florida, the first Concert Across America to End Gun Violence began to take shape, with one of the first announcements emerging locally, a benefit show at Brighton Music Hall in Allston.
Since then, the effort has grown to massive proportions not just across the country, but here in Massachusetts. This Sunday there are 26 live music events being held on various stages and venues — from rock clubs to churches to community centers to police stations — throughout the Bay State. Sponsored by a coalition of more than 100 activist groups, including Stop Handgun Violence, the events are designed to raise awareness of rampant gun violence in America, and the date chosen is no accident: September 25 was declared by Congress in 2007 as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.
The Concerts Across America to End Gun Violence’s “headlining” event goes down at New York City’s Beacon Theatre with an all-star lineup of Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Eddie Vedder, and others.
“On Sunday we will drown out the hateful rhetoric that has become the hallmark of the gun debate with music, and create a positive national moment of collective remembrance, supported by action and a commitment to change,” says Cash, via Rolling Stone. “I believe our country is good enough and strong enough to eliminate senseless gun violence and prevent the destruction of one more family.”
Boston was one of the first cities to announce its participation in the program, and so not surprisingly, there are multiple ways to take part around the city and beyond. Here are a few ways to take part, regardless of where you are in the commonwealth:
Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave. in Allston: Hallelujah The Hills, Marissa Nadler, Bill Janovitz with Tanya Donnelly and Mike Gent, Vapors of Morphine, M.C. Jimmy Tingle, and others. Doors at 6 p.m.; tickets are $20.
ONCE Ballroom, 156 Highland Ave. in Somerville: Abbie Barrett & Band, Magen Tracy & the Missed Connections, Lily Black, Boston Rock Opera, and others. Doors at 4 p.m.; tickets are $12 to $15.
Milton Art Center, 334 Edge Hill Road in Milton: Dennis Brennan, Allysen Callery, The Franc Graham Band, Jennifer D Kimball, and others. Doors at 3 p.m.; admission is a name-your-price donation.
The Milky Way, 284 Amory St. in Jamaica Plain: Mamadou and others. Doors at 8 p.m.; tickets are $10, with additional tier pricing available to donate more.
Mile Marker One, 75 Essex St. in Gloucester: Allen Estes, Marina Evans, Fozzie Hill, Jon Butcher, and others. Doors at 2 p.m.; admission is free but donations will be accepted.
First Congregational Church, 906 Main St. in Williamstown: Jeb Barry, Good Good, Northern Spy, Long Journey, and others. Doors at 4 p.m.; admission is free.
Hit each venue’s link for more information about that specific event, and click here for the full list of shows not just in Massachusetts, but across the country.
