The Beat from Troy Music Hall #72, Protest

Art is often a reflection of our current situation. People process the good and the bad by putting thoughts to music, pen to paper, paint to canvas, or creating movements through movement.

Finding ways to creatively present how you feel about your experiences, or what is happening in society at large, may spark a good discussion or help people see things from another perspective.

This week, we devote The Beat to those who express themselves through the art of protest.

We Will Rebuild What You Destroy

The Linda Lindas are amazing! This performance, filmed in a library, recently went viral. It’s a wildly wonderful expression of how they feel about being discriminated against. These ladies will help change society for the better, one screamed lyric at a time.

“Sweeter”

Hoping for a life more sweeter
Instead I’m just a story repeating
Why do I fear with skin dark as night?
Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes

Writing this beautiful R&B song was healing for Leon Bridges. He said, “The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer.”

Dylan’s “Masters of War”

“And all the money you made, Will never buy back your soul.”

Bob Dylan is known for his many poetic protest songs, though “Masters of War” is his most pointed, with intense and powerful lyrics. Written during the Vietnam War, it transcends the decades and can be applied to any governmental misuse of power. Because of this, it’s been covered over and over again by musicians.

If you were lucky enough to be in the Hall on April 14, 2018, you would have heard Joan Osborne perform a brilliant version of this on our stage.

The Art of Protest

“The role of the artist and the visual image has been important for decades and decades. Because art is visual, it’s emotional, and it’s impactful… and it’s immediate.” Sarah Henry, Chief Curator, Museum of the City of New York

Born in the U.S.A

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is often mistaken for a pro-American anthem. NPR Music takes a deep dive into the meaning of the song, saying: “Maybe the meaning of “Born in the U.S.A.” is the distance between the grim verses and the joyous chorus. It’s the space between frustrating facts and fierce pride — the demand to push American reality a bit closer to our ideals.” Read the full article here.

2021-2022 Season so Far! More to Come!

Click here for all the information on this online event!

Sara Evans Sun, Oct 3, 7:30 PM TICKETS	The High Kings Rescheduled! New Date – Fri, Oct 8, 8 PM TICKETS
Gregroy Alan Isakov & Patty Griffin Fri, Oct 15, 8 PM TICKETS	Howie Mandel, Live! Rescheduled! New Date – Fri, Oct 22, 8 PM TICKETS
Postmodern Jukebox Rescheduled! New Date – Thu, Oct 28, 7:30 PM TICKETS	The Moth Rescheduled! New Date – Fri, May 13, 8 PM TICKETS

Birds of Paradise

There is an old saying attributed to W.C. Fields, “Never work with Children or Animals.” The BBC’s David Attenborough may agree after attempting to film with this feisty bird.