Immigration is the theme of the annual Summer Gathering of the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle (PMN), an inclusive three-day weekend of music, fun and friendship. Slated for June 7-9, 2013 at the Epworth Camp and Retreat Center in High Falls, New York — located on 160 acres of woods and meadows, situated between the Catskill and Shawagunk Mountains – the Summer Gathering will include lots of planned and spontaneous jamming and singing of socially relevant songs, along with workshops on music for social change and musical skills. Communal meals also afford plenty of opportunities for networking.

The weekend begins with a Friday night concert featuring PMN’s artists in residence emma’s revolution (harmonic duo of activist singer-songwriters Pat Humphries and Sandy O), as well as Bev Grant, Evan Greer, Bernardo Palombo and Ted Warmbrand. Issues related to immigration policies, deportation, detention, and the lives of immigrants will be explored through a Saturday plenary session and various workshops and performances, while a round-robin-style open mic is set for Saturday night.

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, PMN uses music, dance, storytelling and poetry to promote progressive ideas and values. 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 PMN and its Summer Gathering, including registration fees (inclusive of lodging and meals), visit www.peoplesmusic.org.