Music
Singing is Resistance with BenjaSoul
About the event
Join us for Singing is Resistance, an evening honoring Juneteenth with the talented BenjaSoul! 🌟
In this empowering session, we’ll explore the powerful intersection of music and activism. Singing is a revolutionary act, rooted in the Civil Rights and Black Spiritual traditions, where we raise our voices against oppression and model the world we aspire to create—collaborative, caring, and courageous.
What to Expect:
✨ Enjoy an evening filled with protest songs, spirituals, and collaborative improv techniques inspired by the renowned group, Sweet Honey in the Rock.
🎶 Learn the fundamentals of harmonic structure in Gospel music, a perfect foundation for our improv practice—everyone is welcome, regardless of experience!
About BenjaSoul:
BenjaSoul is a third-generation professional musician and the board chair of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, an organization dedicated to immigrant rights and anti-incarceration initiatives in California. With over 15 years in social movement work, Benja brings a wealth of experience to our music.
💰 Donations:
We welcome pay-what-you-can donations to The Downbeat to help cover our costs. A suggested donation of $10-20 is appreciated, but any amount feels good to you! 👉 Donate Here
👥 Volunteer Opportunity:
We need a GREETER to welcome attendees from 6-6:30 PM. The first person to arrive and claim this role will enjoy the event without needing to make a donation! Thank you for contributing to our community!
💬 What is The Downbeat?
The Downbeat is a collaborative vocal improv community in the Bay Area, meeting every Monday in the East Bay to sing together. Membership is open to all—just be sure to read our orientation guide before your first jam!
🎶 What is Collaborative Vocal Improv (CVI)?
CVI is all about spontaneous music-making within an attuned group, where listening, responding, and creativity flow naturally. From structured games to completely free music, the magic happens as we create together!
We look forward to raising our voices with you! 🎤🌈
Location
The Berkeley Alembic
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