Arts & Entertainment
'Which Side?' Protest Music Series Returns to The Burren This April
The monthly "teach-out" blends historic anthems with modern activism to build community through song.
In an era where music remains a vital tool for social change, a beloved local tradition is finding its groove as more than just a concert. "Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out" returns to The Burren Backroom on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, continuing its mission to bridge the gap between historic resistance and modern-day solidarity.
What started as an experimental fusion of storytelling and song has blossomed into an essential monthly gathering for the Somerville community. The series takes its cues from journalist James Sullivan’s book, Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs, using the past to illuminate the present.
A Night of Performance and Purpose
The format is unique: each guest musician performs one classic protest song from Sullivan's book and one original piece. Backed by the house band, The Paid Protesters, the result is a 90-minute program that feels like a cross between a high-energy concert, a history teach-in, and a neighborhood town hall.
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“We have created this space where people can talk and laugh and explore great music that speaks to this dark time we are living through,” said co-producer Joyce Linehan. “The audience becomes part of a movement. Personally, I had no idea how much I would come to need this community!”
April’s Star-Studded Lineup
The April 21 event features a diverse roster of talent, including:
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- George Danahy (The Ghouls)
- Chris Walton
- Merrie Amsterburg
- Emily Grogan
- Barrence Whitfield and Sal Baglio
- Mercedes Escobar
The house band, led by music director Ed Valauskas, features local staples Anthony Kaczynski, Paul Buckley, Mike Oram, Magen Tracy, and Eric Salt.
How to Attend
The series has previously hosted heavy hitters like Ezra Furman, Chad Stokes (Dispatch), and Tanya Donnelly, and shows are frequently fully subscribed in advance.
- When: Tuesday, April 21. Doors at 7:00 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m.
- Where: The Burren Backroom, 247 Elm St, Somerville.
- Admission: Pay-what-you-can reservations. All proceeds go directly to the performers and event staff.
- Tickets: Reservations are strongly suggested via www.whichside.boston. Unclaimed tickets will be released at 7:30 p.m. on the night of the show.
As Sullivan puts it: “Any despair or sense of futility we may be feeling in our own heads gets a welcome shot of hope when we come together to celebrate the power of song.”
