Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
@whichsideboston.bsky.social
Which Side Are You On?
A concert and discussion series celebrating and exploring protest music.
www.whichside.boston
A concert and discussion series celebrating and exploring protest music.
www.whichside.boston
Today we honor Oct guest Thea Hopkins of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe. Her version of “Creek Lullaby” was recently pulled from the Library of Congress website. (guess why) You can watch Thea’s #WSAYO performance below & the disappeared video & story (link in comments). #nativeamericanheritagemonth
Thea Hopkins, “Whatcha Gonna Do (When The Rain Comes)"
YouTube video by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
www.youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Today we honor Oct guest Thea Hopkins of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe. Her version of “Creek Lullaby” was recently pulled from the Library of Congress website. (guess why) You can watch Thea’s #WSAYO performance below & the disappeared video & story (link in comments). #nativeamericanheritagemonth
Reservations are available now for the next #WSAYO! Join us Dec. 16 for Abbie Barrett, Chris Cote, Good Trouble Brass Band, Linnea Herzog, Linda Twiss-Gioscia & Paul Willis. Reserve your spot before we sell out (bit.ly/4hEyFzX) & remember #MusicIsCommunity & #kindnessisresistance.
November 21, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Reservations are available now for the next #WSAYO! Join us Dec. 16 for Abbie Barrett, Chris Cote, Good Trouble Brass Band, Linnea Herzog, Linda Twiss-Gioscia & Paul Willis. Reserve your spot before we sell out (bit.ly/4hEyFzX) & remember #MusicIsCommunity & #kindnessisresistance.
From last night's amazing #WSAYO, here's a clip of the no-longer-mystery-guests The Cavedogs doing The Jam’s “A Town Called Malice.” Catch them opening for Letters To Cleo Friday & Saturday at the Paradise. If you love #BostonMusic, it’s an occasion not to be missed.
@kayhanley.bsky.social
@kayhanley.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 11:38 PM
From last night's amazing #WSAYO, here's a clip of the no-longer-mystery-guests The Cavedogs doing The Jam’s “A Town Called Malice.” Catch them opening for Letters To Cleo Friday & Saturday at the Paradise. If you love #BostonMusic, it’s an occasion not to be missed.
@kayhanley.bsky.social
@kayhanley.bsky.social
Getting ready for the big shoo tomorrow at The Burren! Here's a glimpse of rehearsal at Malden's SUM Studios: Special guests Yaryna Tsymbal & Thalia Zedek; “regular” Paid Protesters: Ed Valauskas, Paul Buckley, Tony Kaczynski & Eric Salt; plus @jkantor.bsky.social. Pix by @sullivanjames.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Getting ready for the big shoo tomorrow at The Burren! Here's a glimpse of rehearsal at Malden's SUM Studios: Special guests Yaryna Tsymbal & Thalia Zedek; “regular” Paid Protesters: Ed Valauskas, Paul Buckley, Tony Kaczynski & Eric Salt; plus @jkantor.bsky.social. Pix by @sullivanjames.bsky.social
“Welcome Committee” is a brand new song by Tom Jordan, a special guest at our inaugural #wsayo show. Per Tom, “This song addresses the ICE-y reception so many Americans are getting these days.” 😉 You get it. Now go and get it for real on Bandcamp and keep an eye out for a full album in the new year!
Welcome Committee, by Tom Jordan
track by Tom Jordan
tomjordan729.bandcamp.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:16 AM
“Welcome Committee” is a brand new song by Tom Jordan, a special guest at our inaugural #wsayo show. Per Tom, “This song addresses the ICE-y reception so many Americans are getting these days.” 😉 You get it. Now go and get it for real on Bandcamp and keep an eye out for a full album in the new year!
We're feeling (cautiously) celebratory after Tuesday's elections. Let's keep the positivity flowing against the negativity-mongers, like in this joyous Sept. show finale.
Speaking of shows, our next one is sold out, but if you arrive by 7PM on Nov 18, you can probably snag a day-of ticket. #wsayo
Speaking of shows, our next one is sold out, but if you arrive by 7PM on Nov 18, you can probably snag a day-of ticket. #wsayo
Linda Viens: "Rockin in the Free World" (Neil Young)
YouTube video by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:44 AM
We're feeling (cautiously) celebratory after Tuesday's elections. Let's keep the positivity flowing against the negativity-mongers, like in this joyous Sept. show finale.
Speaking of shows, our next one is sold out, but if you arrive by 7PM on Nov 18, you can probably snag a day-of ticket. #wsayo
Speaking of shows, our next one is sold out, but if you arrive by 7PM on Nov 18, you can probably snag a day-of ticket. #wsayo
Tickets are up for the next #WSAYO! Join us Nov. 18 for Victoria Cardona, Ali McGuirk, Yaryna Tsymbal, Barrence Whitfield, Thalia Zedek & The Funtime Hour Players (mystery band), plus @sullivanjames.bsky.social. Reserve your spot now before we sell out (bit.ly/4hEyFzX) & keep being kind. ☮️
November 1, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Tickets are up for the next #WSAYO! Join us Nov. 18 for Victoria Cardona, Ali McGuirk, Yaryna Tsymbal, Barrence Whitfield, Thalia Zedek & The Funtime Hour Players (mystery band), plus @sullivanjames.bsky.social. Reserve your spot now before we sell out (bit.ly/4hEyFzX) & keep being kind. ☮️
Tomorrow night, we make our debut at The Burren in Somerville. Advanced reservations are all scooped up, but if you get to the door by 7PM, chances are you'll be able to get in. So get amongst it, people! Let us gather & keep building or community of hope & resistance. This is the way. #wsayo
October 27, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Tomorrow night, we make our debut at The Burren in Somerville. Advanced reservations are all scooped up, but if you get to the door by 7PM, chances are you'll be able to get in. So get amongst it, people! Let us gather & keep building or community of hope & resistance. This is the way. #wsayo
“Go Down, Moses” is a spiritual, but as Judge Milton Wright points out, with its refrain of “Let my people go,” it's also a protest song. Check out his performance, featuring @dcolley.bsky.social (@vaporsofmorphine.bsky.social) on sax & @sargie11.bsky.social & Erica Mantone on backing vox. #wsayo
Milton Wright: "Go Down, Moses"(Louis Armstrong)
YouTube video by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
www.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:21 AM
“Go Down, Moses” is a spiritual, but as Judge Milton Wright points out, with its refrain of “Let my people go,” it's also a protest song. Check out his performance, featuring @dcolley.bsky.social (@vaporsofmorphine.bsky.social) on sax & @sargie11.bsky.social & Erica Mantone on backing vox. #wsayo
Look, Ma! We made the news!! Thanks, Noah Schaffer & @wbur.org for capturing the essence of our protest music revival and spreading the positive energy & camaraderie organizers, performers & attendees feel at every show. Come feel it for yourself Tus. 10.28 at The Burren in Somerville, MA.
#wsayo
#wsayo
Concert series 'Which Side?' looks at the past and future of protest music
Organized by political and musical activist Joyce Linehan and Boston Globe correspondent James Sullivan, the monthly concert and discussion series features performances by local musicians and is desig...
www.wbur.org
October 25, 2025 at 2:51 AM
If this performance doesn't raise goosebumps all over your body, you may need to see a doctor. Listen to @ezrafurman.bsky.social absolutely CRUSH Hurray for the Riff Raff's "The Body Electric." And come on out Tues. 10.28 for our debut show at The Burren! #wsayo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcOb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcOb...
Ezra Furman: “The Body Electric” (Hurray for the Riff Raff)
YouTube video by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
www.youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:33 PM
If this performance doesn't raise goosebumps all over your body, you may need to see a doctor. Listen to @ezrafurman.bsky.social absolutely CRUSH Hurray for the Riff Raff's "The Body Electric." And come on out Tues. 10.28 for our debut show at The Burren! #wsayo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcOb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcOb...
YES!! For all the farmers. 🧑🌾
SONG OF THE DAY: Dan Zanes, "The Farmer Is the One" #wsayo
The lawyer hangs around
While the butcher cuts a pound
But the farmer is the one who feeds us all
"'This is going to hurt us': US ranchers push back on Trump's Argentina beef deal" (PBS)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCFn...
The lawyer hangs around
While the butcher cuts a pound
But the farmer is the one who feeds us all
"'This is going to hurt us': US ranchers push back on Trump's Argentina beef deal" (PBS)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCFn...
The Farmer Is The One
YouTube video by Dan Zanes - Topic
www.youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:13 PM
YES!! For all the farmers. 🧑🌾
Well played, Mr. Sullivan, well played. 🥰
SONG OF THE DAY: Joe Jackson, "I'm the Man" #wsayo
I'll speak to the masses through the media
And if you got anything to say to me, you can say it with cash
"Trump says he 'could be' seeking $230 million from his own Justice Department" (CNN)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqz6...
I'll speak to the masses through the media
And if you got anything to say to me, you can say it with cash
"Trump says he 'could be' seeking $230 million from his own Justice Department" (CNN)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqz6...
I'm The Man
YouTube video by Joe Jackson - Topic
www.youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Well played, Mr. Sullivan, well played. 🥰
One week from tonight!! (Tues. 10.28) Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out debuts at our new home, The Burren in Davis Sq., Somerville. Advance tickets are sold out, but never fear! Limited tickets will be available at the door. If you get there by 7PM, you'll have a good shot at getting in.
October 21, 2025 at 11:49 PM
One week from tonight!! (Tues. 10.28) Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out debuts at our new home, The Burren in Davis Sq., Somerville. Advance tickets are sold out, but never fear! Limited tickets will be available at the door. If you get there by 7PM, you'll have a good shot at getting in.
You may know the original "Demolition Man" by The Police, but if you haven't heard/seen the inimitable Grace Jones cover, you're missing out. Thanks to @sullivanjames.bsky.social — one of our fearless leaders — you no longer have to. Check it out!
SONG OF THE DAY: Grace Jones, “Demolition Man” #wsayo
I'm a walking nightmare, an arsenal of doom
I kill conversation as I walk into the room
“Federal Workers Given Secret Order as Trump Tears Down Part of the White House” (Daily Beast)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=qlHi...
I'm a walking nightmare, an arsenal of doom
I kill conversation as I walk into the room
“Federal Workers Given Secret Order as Trump Tears Down Part of the White House” (Daily Beast)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=qlHi...
Grace Jones - Demolition Man (Live From 'A One Man Show' Tour / 1981)
YouTube video by GraceJonesVEVO
m.youtube.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:56 PM
You may know the original "Demolition Man" by The Police, but if you haven't heard/seen the inimitable Grace Jones cover, you're missing out. Thanks to @sullivanjames.bsky.social — one of our fearless leaders — you no longer have to. Check it out!
Reposted by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
SONG OF THE DAY: Tom Paxton, “Daily News” #wsayo
Don't try to make me change my mind with facts
“Indiana University Cuts IDS print entirely, hours after firing student media director” (Indiana Daily Student)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-c...
Don't try to make me change my mind with facts
“Indiana University Cuts IDS print entirely, hours after firing student media director” (Indiana Daily Student)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-c...
Daily News
YouTube video by Tom Paxton - Topic
m.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:42 PM
SONG OF THE DAY: Tom Paxton, “Daily News” #wsayo
Don't try to make me change my mind with facts
“Indiana University Cuts IDS print entirely, hours after firing student media director” (Indiana Daily Student)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-c...
Don't try to make me change my mind with facts
“Indiana University Cuts IDS print entirely, hours after firing student media director” (Indiana Daily Student)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-c...
Thrilled about this stellar lineup for the third installment of Which Side series on Sept. 17th. Programming note: Haasan Barclay is regrettably unable to appear as previously announced, but the amazing Linda Viens will be joining us.
Don't miss it! Ticket info: www.whichside.boston/tickets
Don't miss it! Ticket info: www.whichside.boston/tickets
September 4, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Thrilled about this stellar lineup for the third installment of Which Side series on Sept. 17th. Programming note: Haasan Barclay is regrettably unable to appear as previously announced, but the amazing Linda Viens will be joining us.
Don't miss it! Ticket info: www.whichside.boston/tickets
Don't miss it! Ticket info: www.whichside.boston/tickets
Reposted by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
SONG OF THE DAY: Audioslave, “Wide Awake” #wsayo
Down on the road, the world is floating by
The poor and undefended left behind
While you're somewhere trading lives for oil
“Hurricane Katrina haunts New Orleans as Trump cuts disaster aid” (The Guardian)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3p...
Down on the road, the world is floating by
The poor and undefended left behind
While you're somewhere trading lives for oil
“Hurricane Katrina haunts New Orleans as Trump cuts disaster aid” (The Guardian)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3p...
Wide Awake
YouTube video by Audioslave - Topic
m.youtube.com
August 31, 2025 at 3:54 PM
SONG OF THE DAY: Audioslave, “Wide Awake” #wsayo
Down on the road, the world is floating by
The poor and undefended left behind
While you're somewhere trading lives for oil
“Hurricane Katrina haunts New Orleans as Trump cuts disaster aid” (The Guardian)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3p...
Down on the road, the world is floating by
The poor and undefended left behind
While you're somewhere trading lives for oil
“Hurricane Katrina haunts New Orleans as Trump cuts disaster aid” (The Guardian)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3p...
Kemp Harris performs as part of the "Which Side Are You On?" protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
August 24, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Kemp Harris performs as part of the "Which Side Are You On?" protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
Guitarist Mike Oram and bassist Ed Valauskas perform with the WSAYO house band, the Paid Protesters, as part of the "Which Side Are You On?" protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
August 24, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Guitarist Mike Oram and bassist Ed Valauskas perform with the WSAYO house band, the Paid Protesters, as part of the "Which Side Are You On?" protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
Reposted by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
SONG OF THE DAY: Childish Gambino, “Feels Like Summer” #wsayo
Every day gets hotter than the one before…
Air that kill the bees that we depend on
Birds were made for singing
Waking up to no sound
“Climate change is ‘enshittifying’ our lives” (Boston Globe)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=F1B9...
Every day gets hotter than the one before…
Air that kill the bees that we depend on
Birds were made for singing
Waking up to no sound
“Climate change is ‘enshittifying’ our lives” (Boston Globe)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=F1B9...
Childish Gambino - Feels Like Summer
YouTube video by ChildishGambinoVEVO
m.youtube.com
August 24, 2025 at 4:51 PM
SONG OF THE DAY: Childish Gambino, “Feels Like Summer” #wsayo
Every day gets hotter than the one before…
Air that kill the bees that we depend on
Birds were made for singing
Waking up to no sound
“Climate change is ‘enshittifying’ our lives” (Boston Globe)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=F1B9...
Every day gets hotter than the one before…
Air that kill the bees that we depend on
Birds were made for singing
Waking up to no sound
“Climate change is ‘enshittifying’ our lives” (Boston Globe)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=F1B9...
Reposted by Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out
SONG OF THE DAY: 10,000 Maniacs, “You Happy Puppet” #wsayo
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string?
How do you manage to speak, your mouth a frozen grin?
“Putin praises Trump peace efforts ahead of Alaska summit” (NBC News)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4tP...
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string?
How do you manage to speak, your mouth a frozen grin?
“Putin praises Trump peace efforts ahead of Alaska summit” (NBC News)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4tP...
10,000 Maniacs - You Happy Puppet (LYRICS) FM HORIZONTE 94.3
YouTube video by Fm Horizonte 94.3 Channel
m.youtube.com
August 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
SONG OF THE DAY: 10,000 Maniacs, “You Happy Puppet” #wsayo
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string?
How do you manage to speak, your mouth a frozen grin?
“Putin praises Trump peace efforts ahead of Alaska summit” (NBC News)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4tP...
How did they teach you to be just a happy puppet dancing on a string?
How do you manage to speak, your mouth a frozen grin?
“Putin praises Trump peace efforts ahead of Alaska summit” (NBC News)
m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4tP...
Magen Tracy performs with the WSAYO house band, the Paid Protesters, as part of the "Which Side Are You On?" protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @MikeRitter_Photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @MikeRitter_Photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
August 15, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Magen Tracy performs with the WSAYO house band, the Paid Protesters, as part of the "Which Side Are You On?" protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @MikeRitter_Photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @MikeRitter_Photo
#protestsongs
#WhichSideAreYouOn
#WSAYO
David Santos (of Eddie Japan) performs as part of the "Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
August 15, 2025 at 10:36 PM
David Santos (of Eddie Japan) performs as part of the "Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA.
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
Insta: @mikeritter_photo
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
Judge Milton Wright performs as part of the "Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA. Anthony Kaczynski, on guitar, approves.
Photo © Mike Ritter
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
August 15, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Judge Milton Wright performs as part of the "Which Side Are You On? A Protest Music Teach-Out" series, on August 13, 2025, at the Lizard Lounge, Cambridge MA. Anthony Kaczynski, on guitar, approves.
Photo © Mike Ritter
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO
Photo © Mike Ritter
#protestsongs
#whichsideareyouon
#WSAYO