The semester-long series explored how music has and will always be a constant theme in shaping the political and social experience.
Such accomplished musicians as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Tom Paxton, and the late Utah Phillips participated, by sharing their thoughts and their music live in Edwards Auditorium. All of the series was recorded and is captured in a just released two-disc compilation CD, fittingly called “Songs of Social Justice.”
“Songs of Social Justice” is a lively collection of the most influential singers of political songs of the last 50 years,” said musical legend and flat-picking pioneer, Dan Crary. “The recordings are stunningly good, beautifully recorded, nicely edited and capture some wonderfully unique performances… These may be the best recording ever made of some of these artists.”
Copies are available for a $25 contribution to the URI Stephen Myles Social Justice Scholarship. Myles was the assistant director of URI’s Counseling Center and an accomplished musician. He was eager to help organize the colloquium and to share with students the power of music and art as catalysts for social change. Sadly, he died shortly before he could see his dream to fruition.
All money raised from CD sales will go directly to the scholarship fund. Once endowed, the scholarship will be awarded to a student or students in any major who is engaged in the pursuit of social justice.
For more information on purchasing a CD you can go to www.songsofsocialjustice.com or email Professor of Communication Studies Stephen Wood at DocWood@mail.uri.edu. You can also send check or money order made payable to the URI Foundation Account #5986 to Wood, Department of Communication Studies, Davis Hall, 10 Lippitt Rd., Kingston, R.I. 02881.