Joe Rapolla, chair of the Monmouth University music and theatre department, is producing the “Art of the Protest Song” event on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as part of community programming for the GRAMMY Museum Experience. The event is a celebration of a unique musical genre, combining both “classic” protest songs from social/political movements throughout history, and contemporary, original songs on the events and issues of today.
The “Art of the Protest Song” was introduced in 2014 by songwriter and musician Bill Valenti. The program includes a brief overview and examples of how topical music has impacted and reflected social, political and cultural movements in our history, as well as five performances by singer/songwriters—Tess Lira, Frank Lombardi, Natalia Zukerman, Valenti, and ALICIA—that illustrate the power of music to change the game.
“Music has played such an important role throughout history. This is such an engaging way to illustrate its impact, while listening to some great and meaningful songs by this diverse group of songwriters,” said Rapolla.
Rapolla collaborated with Mark Conklin, director of the GRAMMY Museum Experience, to book the artists and organize and promote the event. Rapolla will also be giving a short presentation on how music has impacted history, culture, and social issues throughout time.
Monmouth students and faculty are scheduled to attend, Rapolla said.
Tickets are priced at $15 and are available now at GRAMMYMuseumEXP.org.
The GRAMMY Museum Experience, located at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is an interactive, experiential museum that commemorates the history of the GRAMMY Awards with a special focus on New Jersey.
About Monmouth’s GRAMMY Museum Affiliation
In October of 2014, Monmouth University was named a higher education affiliate of the Los Angeles-based GRAMMY Museum. The partnership provides access to GRAMMY Museum content for educational purposes, curriculum resources, research programs, professional development seminars, collaborative marketing and promotions, project-based learning and unique student internship opportunities. GRAMMY Museum Director and Monmouth University alumnus Bob Santelli facilitated the partnership.