Beloved Monthly Series Continues To Build Community Through Music, Conversation, and Collective Action

After a wildly successful first year packed with sold-out crowds, Boston’s favorite protest music series is packing its bags for a bigger stage.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the ACLU of Massachusetts will sponsor a special anniversary edition of Which Side? at the brand-new Opera + Community Studios, located at 15 Channel Center Street in Fort Point.

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Over the past year, the series has drawn standing-room-only crowds across 12 monthly shows at beloved local hubs like the Lizard Lounge and The Burren. The leap to the Boston Lyric Opera’s state-of-the-art "civic arts space" comes in response to a growing community craving for live music, real conversation, and meaningful connection.

"A year into this project, people are coming out not just for the songs, but for the feeling in the room—the sense that music and art can still help us understand each other, build solidarity, and create moments of joy and resilience together," said co-producer Joyce Linehan.

Inspired by James Sullivan’s book Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs, the 90-minute program is equal parts concert, teach-in, and community gathering. Produced by Linehan, Jon Lupfer, and Sullivan, each event challenges artists to perform a historic protest song alongside an original piece to bridge the gap between past struggles and modern movements.

The ACLU’s sponsorship lands as part of its “Beyond 250: Dare to Create” initiative, designed to spark dialogue on expanding freedom and strengthening democracy.

"The Which Side concert series embodies two of my core convictions: Building community is the key to defeating authoritarianism. And freedom is always more fun—especially when it involves great music," said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. "Join us for a remarkable evening—and when the last note fades, think about how you can do your part to show up for your neighbors, your values, and your democracy."

A Packed Lineup & Stellar Guest Speakers

Hosted by Sullivan and Linehan, the anniversary show will feature the series’ house band—The Paid Protesters—backing an exceptionally diverse roster of local powerhouse talents:

• The OG’s (Original Gentlemen): A Boston-based R&B vocal trio (Albert “Shorty Mac” Brown, Jabir Pope, and Josh Fernandes) delivering rich, soul-filled harmonies rooted in stories of resilience, redemption, and hope after incarceration.
• Brandie Blaze: A fiercely dynamic Boston hip-hop artist and self-proclaimed "trap feminist" known for her hard-hitting lyrics, sharp stage presence, and unwavering advocacy for Black women.
• The Rubin Brothers: Berklee-trained multi-instrumentalists AJ and Colescott Rubin bring a whimsical, time-traveling blend of vaudeville, circus flair, and old-school showmanship.
• Todd Thibaud: A veteran singer-songwriter crafting a signature blend of Americana, roots rock, and folk laced with disarming honesty.
• Melissa Ferrick: A genre-defying legend celebrating 30 years of raw, vulnerable, and fiercely independent songwriting.
• Elisa Birdseye: A classically trained violist bringing folk, pop, and social justice protest roots to the stage.

In addition to the music, Kade Crockford, director of technology and justice programs at the ACLU of Massachusetts, will take the mic as a featured speaker.

If You Go: Event Details & Ticket Info

• When: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Doors open at 6:30 PM, Show starts at 8:00 PM
• Where: Opera + Community Studios, 15 Channel Center Street, Fort Point, MA
• Food & Drink: The Boston Lyric Opera’s caterer will feature a special curated menu for the night, with a full bar selling beer and wine.
• Admission: Pay-what-you-want (minimum $5 contribution to support artists and staff).
• Reservations: All ages are welcome. Given that past shows have consistently sold out, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

To lock in your spot or learn more, head over to www.whichside.boston.