There’ll be lots of planned and spontaneous jamming and singing of socially relevant songs when the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle holds its annual winter gathering, January 27-29, 2012, in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

The weekend begins with a Friday night concert at Lawrence High School’s performing arts center featuring Back to the Roots (Spiritchild & Evan Greer), Bev Grant, Anne Feeney, Jon Fromer, Tom Juravich, Nathan Baez, Rebel Voices, PMN Chorus, Lawrence HS Girls Ensemble, and Bread & Roses. Also on the weekend’s agenda are topical song swaps; a variety of workshops and discussions about peace, current events and issues, organizing, performing skills, and more; a Saturday afternoon multimedia presentation by Charlie King and Karen Brandow; and a Saturday evening round-robin style open mic. Communal meals also afford plenty of opportunities for networking. The gathering concludes after lunch on Sunday.

Comprised of performers, songwriters, sound & recording engineers, record & concert producers, promoters, archivists and music lovers of various social, racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. and Canada, the Peoples Music Network uses music, dance, storytelling and poetry to promote progressive ideas and values and to help bring about a better world. The network is committed to working with and supporting grassroots and community organizations and to exploring and presenting culturally diverse music.

For more information on the People’s Music Network and its winter gathering, including registration fees, visit www.peoplesmusic.org or call 845-626-4507.