With enlightening narrative, and songs that women sang during the suffrage movement between 1848 and 1920, this dynamic, two-act concert tells the story of how American women won the right to vote.
The power of song was used to effect change and convince women to support the cause of seeking equality. Song gave women a voice at a time they were not able to speak in public. Many voices raised in song carried into the 20th century when parlor songs became the rage and helped bring the suffrage movement to a vast audience. With little financial and political power, women printed banners, postcards, buttons, marched in parades, stood in silence and sang to gain the 19th amendment to the Constitution known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment.
In this concert we bring the suffrage songs back where they belong in American music, important documents of protest and rhetorical thought. We hear their voices, strong, persuasive, and determined to make a difference in the America of the future. Featuring a cast of nine singers and musicians: Greg Artzner, Dan Duggan, Terry Leonino, Peggy Lynn, Annie Rosen, Bill Spence, Toby Stover, Susan Trump and George Wilson. Produced, directed and compiled by Andy Spence.
Old Songs events are made possible by New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
This SLCA production is made possible by a grant from The New York Council for the Humanities