PMN SUMMER GATHERING, May 26-28, 2023 (Groton, MA)

The People’s Music Network Summer Gathering takes place at at Camp Grotonwood in Groton, MA from May 26-28, 2023.  It includes:

• Music to inspire dreams for a better world.
• Traditions that strengthen social justice struggles.
• A welcoming community of singers, activists, songwriters, spoken word artists, and allies committed to using the arts as catalysts for peace and justice.

On Saturday and Sunday (May 25 & 26, 2023), we’ll have participatory workshops and songswaps, mentoring sessions, and a Saturday night “Round Robin” – all highlighting the role of music in progressive social change.  Expect numerous opportunities to share music, sing together, and to join efforts to bring music into the heart of struggles for justice and freedom today.

People's Music Network held a Summer Gathering every year from 1977 to 2018. We'll be intermeshing the network PMN built throughout these years with the network we've been building more recently during the pandemic.  We'll also be remembering the members who have passed on in the last four years.  Get a sense of past PMN Gathering traditions by viewing the video recordings of the concert, the plenary, the workshops, and the round robin performances on the Past Gatherings page.

CONVERGENCE PREVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

Workshop Track on Black Singing Traditions in Social Justice Music:

FULL SCHEDULE  (View separately as a Google Doc)

Menu

Meals served by Pacifeast Caterers (Joanne Sheehan and Rick Gaumer).  Omnivorous, vegetarian and vegan meals are included in the registration price, and are served from Friday Dinner to Sunday Lunch.  Read the Menu.

Sales Table

Indicate on your registration form if you'd like to sell CDs or other merch during the gathering.  A sales table will be organized and people selling items will be asked to take a shift staffing the table.

Covid Policy

While Covid is no longer as threatening as it once was, precautions are still warranted. PMN believes it is our collective responsibility to protect each other’s health. To that end:

• We recommend all participants be vaccinated (including bivalent boosters).
• We request attendees present evidence of a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of their arrival at the camp OR a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event.
• Masking is optional but encouraged, particularly in indoor spaces. PMN will provide masks on site.
• If you are exhibiting symptoms associated with Covid, please do not come to the gathering. Better safe than sorry. If Covid prevents you from participating in the weekend, PMN will fully refund your registration fee.
• Finally, should you subsequently test positive for Covid, notify designated members of the PMN Health and Safety team so that attendees at the weekend can test and take appropriate precautions.

Housing, Other

Grotonwood Camp & Conference Center has abundant shared cabin space.  PMN will be using Prescott Lodge, Blanchard Hall, and the Judson Cabins.  For a $50 extra charge, individuals may get a 2 person room with a private bathroom in the newest building: Prescott Lodge.  Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are available in Prescott Lodge and Blanchard Hall.  Indicate accessibility needs on your registration form, and you'll be assigned to one of these spaces.  Tenting is allowed as an alternative to staying in the cabins. 

For a high definition visual preview, Camp Grotonwood has a promotional video on their YouTube Channel detailing the facilities at the camp.

WHAT TO BRING! No linens and no bedding are provided by the camp, so you must bring your own bedding! (That includes: sheets, pillow cases, pillows, blankets/sleeping bags). Also bring an EXTRA blanket or two in case it gets cold or in case your neighbor is cold. Bring soap, towels, and other toiletries that you may need. The camp does not provide anything other than beds and access to working bathrooms in our cabins. Also bring instruments, songbooks, and music that you wish to sell at the sales table. 

Carpool Coordinators:

Contact these people who are coordinating carpools to Groton, MA from the following metropolitan areas:

• New York City: Dave Tarlo <davsong211@hotmail.com> 
• Boston: Joanne Tuller <jt4cmn@yahoo.com>

Directions

GROTONWOOD CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER,

167 Prescott Street, Groton MA, 01450

*** If you'd like to carpool to the PMN Summer Gathering, please mark your interest in doing so on the registration form and we'll do our best to connect you with a carpool.

Camp Map

Social Media & Publicity for PMN Summer Gathering

 Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3359126187695526

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Event Flier (8.5x11 in, cut in half)

PMN 2023 Summer Gathering General Flier