"Songs of Freedom and Struggle" (Online Swap)

This is a chance for PMN members to share songs of Freedom and Struggle in a fun and collaborative online setting!

How to Participate

Members of the People's Music Network, especially new members, and invited artists may use the online registration form to sign up to share a song or a poem during this event OR to be part of the audience.  Just press the "Register" button on the left side of the web page.  Registered performers and audience members receive an e-mail message containing the Zoom Meeting link immediately after they register.  Registering as a performer does not automatically mean you'll be included in the final performance line up, but it is the first step (See below, "How we Select the Performers").  We encourage live performance, but you may submit a pre-recorded video when you register to substitute for a live performance.  Members sharing videos first give a live introduction.  

The content of the online swap will also be livestreamed free of charge via the PMN Facebook Page AND the PMN Youtube Channel.

Registration Deadline: Monday, August 9 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

The order of performance will be released the morning after the registration deadline.  You may register for this event after the deadline, and you'll be added to the wait list.

The Topic

In this livestreamed video conference event, members of the People's Music Network are invited to share poetry and songs of Freedom and Struggle that speak to the struggles of people fighting for a better world, free from war, poverty, racism, and all forms of oppression.  In these  dangerous times, we gather strength and courage from songs that nourish our spirits, and that help us make sense of the events unfolding before us, and sustain the dream of a better future where people can live in dignity.

LYRICS:  (posted the day before the event)

PERFORMER LIST:  (posted the day before the event)

Eligibility to Perform:

Performers in this swap must:

1)   Be invited artists and/or PMN members in good standing.* 

2)   Register using the online form.

3)   Have a computer with functioning video camera and microphone.

* If you are not a PMN member, you may join here: https://www.peoplesmusic.org/join-PMN

How we Select the Performers

We give priority to new PMN members as well as PMN members who have not yet performed in one of our previous online swap events.  Every PMN member wishing to perform at this event is invited to register and to do so sooner than later.  Selection for the final performer list, however, is not first-come first-served.  PMN hosts song sharing events regularly.  If we can't fit you in this time, anticipate more opportunities soon!

Technical Orientation Session: Tuesday, August 10, 4:00-5:00 PM

Selected performers will receive an e-mail invitation to a technical orientation session at the time listed above by the morning of the same day.  We will discuss and practice how to get the best sound when sharing music on Zoom.  Each performer will have a chance to sing a verse of a song and then receive feedback on ways to improve the audio quality.  While perfection is not expected, artists new to Zoom are strongly encouraged to attend the tech run through, because doing so will build your confidence in using these tools.  The audio quality that listeners hear of your live performance depends on the equipment you have and how you use it.  Find tips to improve audio quality here.

Free Livestream

TUNE INTO THE LIVE BROADCAST via YOUTUBE

Wednesday, August 11, 4:00 - 6:00 PM (ET)

**Past and future Livestreams are available through the PMN Facebook Live Page: https://www.facebook.com/Peoples.Music.Network/live

Help Publicize!

Encourage your friends to tune into this online musical event for progressive culture:  Share the event on Facebook!!   https://www.facebook.com/events/165809048972668