Penn State University Libraries Political Song Series
Celebrating political and protest songs
2022 / 2023 Events
Hope: The Healing Power of Music, A Conversation with the Soweto Gospel Choir
2 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park campus
The discussion is free and open to the public.
Choir Master Shimmy Jiyane, Musical Director Diniloxolo Ndlakuse, Tenor Vuzimusi Shabalala, and Drummer Sipho Ngcamu will lead a discussion about the creative process behind the choir’s current concert tour featuring South African freedom songs and music of the American civil rights movement and celebrating the artists who used their voices in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.
Ancestral Communal Listening Session with Michael Mwenso
6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 3-Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave, State College PA.
The event is free and open to the public.
Musician and educator Michael Mwenso will guide attendees through the powerful gifts buried within Black roots music and will demonstrate how he actively listens to music—alone and as part of a community. Through this exploration of recorded music, participants will learn to understand that Black roots music contains the Black experience. It embodies the spirit and memory of a people who weave together traditions of the African diaspora with expressions in the United States, the Americas, and beyond. Vinyl from the University Libraries’ collections will drive this listening experience.
Soundscapes of Resistance: Research at the Intersection of Music and Politics
4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park campus
The discussion is free and open to the public.
This academic panel, co-sponsored by The McCourtney Institute for Democracy, will include a discussion about the intersection of music and politics highlighting recent academic research as well as political and protest music from Japan, Ukraine, and Indonesia.
Political-Song-a-Palooza
7 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the State Theatre, Downtown, State College PA
The event is free and open to the public.
Political Song-a-Palooza is the culminating event of the University Libraries Political Song Series. This live musical performance at the State Theatre will feature Penn State students, faculty, and staff, chosen by audition, who will share their unique takes on political and protest songs.
Penn State University Libraries Political Song Series
Celebrating political and protest songs
Libraries Home
Contact Us:
PSAP Gmail: psap2024@gmail.com
Andrew Dudash: amd846@psu.edu
Rebekah Hill: rqh5509@psu.edu