The WBUR Festival

In 1819, just down the road, John Adams did the unthinkable: formally accusing his old frenemy Thomas Jefferson of plagiarizing North Carolina’s declaration of independence from May 20, 1775 (a date still emblazoned on the NC state flag) when crafting his own, slightly more famous document a year later in Philadelphia. Adams had receipts, and he begged historians to “investigate further.” Two centuries later, with the support of David McCullough, Ken Burns, Andrew Roberts, Sharon McMahon and others, author and former longtime ESPN senior writer David Fleming answered Adam’s call, embarking on a global (and often hilarious) quest to uncover a secret document that unravels the origin story of America and reveals the intellectual crime of the millennia.

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How have black women imagined and fought for freedom, and how do their legacies help us imagine our future as the United States turns 250?

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In being rich in American history, especially when it comes to the fight for independence, our state takes a back seat to no one. It is the same with our historic ability to endure historic hardship, turmoil and change--and emerge stronger as a result!

In this original, multi-part, literary and musical premier presentation, award winning literary performer and educator, Regie Gibson-- along with an ensemble of creative Massachusetts musicians and composers--- use music, poetry, storytelling and song to explore some of the most important historical events, ideals, inspirations, aspirations, and unsung persons that have shaped and challenged "we the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" to live up to the better angels of our nature (in both welcomed and unwelcome ways). This will be a humorous, touching, reflective, and at times harrowing artistic experience that will take you from Massachusetts prehistory to our envisioned future. Come, hear the "Song of Massachusetts (after all, YOU helped create it).

Ensemble:
Regie Gibson: Literary Performance and Creator
Composer, Guy Medilow: Piano
Composer, Todd Brunel: Clarinets
Composer, Bithyah Israel and Rhea Gibson: Cellos
Curt Newton: Drums and Percussion
Rick McLaughlin: Double Bass

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