From hidden communication between slaves to songs fueling movements for economic justice, music serves as a tool to educate, unite and inspire. Charlie King and Karen Brandow recreate the history of people's dreams and struggles for a better world in PowerPoint images, dramatic readings and powerful songs. We perform these workshops in college classrooms, museums, senior centers, labor conferences, public libraries, community centers and progressive gatherings around the country. Following these 45-60 minute performance pieces we’re eager to facilitate lively group discussion. It Isn’t Nice: A History of Nonviolence in the U.S. Chronicles the inspiring history of nonviolent direct action involving dozens of social issues and people of diverse races and ages. Starts with the Boston Tea Party and ends with Iraq veterans resisting the war. The Sixties Unplugged. Examines this pivotal period in U.S. history (c.1956-1974) when music closely reflected the social and political events of the era. Focuses on acoustic folk music. Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn me 'Round. Offers a history of the Civil Rights Movement for African Americans from 1955 to 1967, highlighting activists such as Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer and Ella Baker. Brother Can You Spare a Dime. Covers the 1930’s, from the Crash, Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the rise of the CIO to the build-up to World War II. The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti. Explores the story of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, wrongfully executed by the state of Massachusetts in a case that gained international attention. Their story is important in the current political climate for its exploration of relevant issues such as dissent, immigrants, war and peace and the death penalty. Dump the Bosses off Your Back. Captures the spirit, the tactics and the history of the Industrial Workers of the World, arguably the most creative, visionary and musical movement in American Labor History. Other Workshops (do not include scripts or images) Hard Times Come Again No More. Songs of those who endured the Civil War – men and women, black and white, blue and gray. Sing Me a Song of Social Significance. A survey of contemporary movements reflected in the songs that energize them. Includes songs of peace, women's struggles, labor, gay and lesbian rights, disability rights, environmentalism and justice for immigrants. With prior notice, this workshop can emphasize a particular movement. Here’s to Mother Nature. A mixture of songs and poems that reflect on the environment and our place in it. Topics include nuclear power, junk food, pollution, how to measure “progress” and an ecological perspective on nature. Plenty of satire and laughs are mixed in with a serious look at our impact on the earth and what we can do about it. Stand Up. The difference one person can make and the effect individual action can have on community struggle. Narrative songs describe people who have the courage to stand in solitary or collective witness, often from a faith-based conviction - from well known figures such as Rachel Corrie and Nelson Mandela, to unsung heroes like George Nicholas and Yanira Merino. Levántese. Spanish songs from social movements in Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain, and bilingual English/Spanish songs from the U.S. This workshop can include discussion if desired. Ideal for Spanish classes of any level. It's best to combine daytime workshops with an evening concert, generating broader community or campus interest and multiple funding sources to cover expenses. For bookings e-mail VaguelyRem@aol.com, go to www.charlieking.org or call 413-625-8115. [HOME][NEW!NewsNEW!] [Biographies] [Quotable Quotes] [Recordings, Songbooks, and T-Shirts] [Touring Schedule] [Booking Info] [Links]