SWWAP Sponsored Solidarity Sing Along, September 27

images/ssa_Mt._Horeb.jpg

If you go inside the Wisconsin State Capitol any weekday at noon, you will experience a unique tradition that dates back to March 11, 2011: the Solidarity Sing Along in the rotunda. The Solidarity Sing Along is not an organized group in any sense of the word. It is more akin to a living organism, with anyone welcome to join in and songs evolving with the day’s news. Those who come to sing are from diverse backgrounds, but lend their voice united in a people’s choir. The Sing Along songbook includes old standards, sung for generations in different protest settings. Some lyrics are modified to address Wisconsin’s current political condition. Also included are popular tunes with entirely new lyrics, which speak to dissent against the current state political leaders. When the Sing Along is outside on the Capitol Grounds (usually on Fridays), many participants bring instruments to back the singers. The collection of banjo, guitar, drum, trombone, accordion and rhythm players have dubbed themselves ”The Learning Curve.”

In the summer of 2013, a push to silence the songs came from the Capitol Police. Throughout the summer, singers ranging in age from 14 to 85 were arrested and handcuffed for practicing their constitutional right of free speech. All prosecutions have now been dismissed on constitutional grounds, and the arrests have been berated throughout the legal community. Unintimidated by the heavy-handed crackdown on their rights, the Solidarity Sing Along remains a powerful symbol of dissent to Wisconsin’s present political path.  

Beginning at noon on Sunday, September 27, the Sing Along will move to Mt. Horeb’s historic District #1 Schoolhouse for the day. Songbooks will be available and The Learning Curve will be on hand to lead the sing. All are invited to attend this celebration of free speech and join in the fun. Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives and Progressive Partners of Dane County are sponsoring this event, which will also serve as a collection point for donations to the area food pantry. All are invited to bring non-perishable food items for our area’s neediest. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held rain (inside) or shine (outside). Come hear the people sing along . . .

“This land is your land

This land is my land

From Lake Geneva To Madeline Island

From the rolling prairies

To our lovely dairies

Wisconsin was made for you and me”