From the hidden communication between slaves to the songs at the barricades of anti-globalization, music has served as a tool to educate, unite and inspire. Songs reach people in ways that books and speeches cannot. These workshops examine the history of people's dreams and struggles for a better world as recorded in their songs. These songs create an immediate, palpable link with the hardship and courage of the times they spring from. The workshops appeal to groups interested in history, sociology, political science, religion/ethics, creative writing, journalism, education, communications as well as other fields. Workshops are like thematic concerts but with greater emphasis on setting a song’s historical context and more opportunity for dialogue. Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn me 'Round. This slide or power point presentation offers a history in song, story and photos of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1967. It highlights activists such as Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer and Ella Baker. Dump the Bosses off Your Back. 2005 was the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Industrial Workers of the World. This slide or power point presentation captures in image, story and song the spirit, the tactics and the history of the IWW, arguably the most creative visionary and musical movement in American Labor History. The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti.  Wrongfully executed in August of 1927 by the state of Massachusetts, these immigrant workers, labor organizers, war resisters and anarchists were tried on trumped up charges of murder and robbery. The case gained international attention. This slide or power point presentation explores their story through letters, narrative and songs accompanied by period photographs and the artwork of Ben Shahn. Their story is important in the current political climate for its exploration of relevant issues: dissent, immigrants, war and peace and the death penalty. Brother Can You Spare a Dime. The 1930’s, from the Crash to the War. A performance of songs, power point images and stories of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, the rise of the CIO and the build-up to WW II. 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]