Behind virtually every protest movement is a powerful protest song. And in May, Portara Ensemble put together a fabulous concert that celebrated music as a time-honored method of resistance. The program included everything from familiar spirituals to more contemporary works by Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye and Janelle Monáe. There were even international anthems, including the Italian anti-fascist song “Bella Ciao” and the Iranian protest song “Baraye.” Add in big performances from Odessa Settles, Devon Gilfillian and Saro Lynch-Thomason — plus the opportunity to hear from key community partners — and we all walked away feeling a bit more dangerous.
Best Historical Protest-Music Performance
