Music, of course, is entertainment, but it can also be a catalyst for action.
A “teach-in” is an informal educational forum on a subject of social significance, typically held on a college campus. In 1970, for instance, students and faculty participated in a series of teach-ins on the growing environmental crisis.
By contrast, a “teach-out” is more public-facing. We’ve loosely based the Which Side? series on the precedent of the “Flying University,” an underground phenomenon that began in the late 1800s in Warsaw.
“Which Side?: Nashville” is Nashville’s take on the teach-out, and features musicians, activists, and community leaders who reflect Nashville’s diversity and brilliance. Jamie Rubin, Family Wash founder and current co-owner of Eastside Bowl, is originally from Boston and learned about ‘Which Side?’ through his network of friends and bandmates. One night while catching up with friend Greg O’Loughlin, they were discussing Greg’s work in education, activism, and organizing. Jamie was struck by the serendipity of the meeting and suggested they connect with James Sullivan to explore the possibility of starting “Which Side?: Nashville” by hosting a show and starting the conversations, connections, and community-building needed to meet this moment.
The series name, of course, is borrowed from the timeless protest song "Which Side Are You On" by Florence Reece, the matriarch of a coal mining family in Harlan County, KY. The song challenged strike-breakers to listen to their conscience. We’re simply asking participants to think about whether they want to be on the side of progress or regression.
Concert in your area for Folk & Blues and Country.
Find out more about Country.
Dave Matthews Band
Log in to your account
