More Than a Concert: Why You Need to Be at the Burren on Jan 20!

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a room full of people chooses to look backward and forward at the same time.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of the current political landscape, you aren’t alone. But in Somerville, that weight is being transformed into something melodic, percussive, and—most importantly—collective. On Tuesday, January 20, the Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out returns to the Burren Back Room, kicking off its 2026 season with a lineup that serves as a masterclass in local artistry.

The Concept: History as a Setlist

Inspired by James Sullivan’s book Which Side Are You On?: 20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs, this isn't your standard Tuesday night gig. It’s part concert, part town hall, and part living archive.
The format is simple but profound: each artist performs one historic anthem from Sullivan’s book and one original or contemporary piece of their own. It’s a literal bridge between the struggles of the past and the advocacy of today.

The January Lineup

Backing the night is the house band, The Paid Protesters (featuring local stalwarts like Ed Valauskas and Magen Tracy), who will be supporting an eclectic and heavy-hitting roster:

• Leon Beal & Sarah Borges: Bringing soul and grit to the stage.
• Avi Jacob & Caleb McCoy: Exploring the intersection of folk and modern narrative.
• Adam Sherman (with Dinty Child & Elizabeth Steen): Adding layers of seasoned arrangement.
• Wesley Stace: The veteran songwriter (formerly known as John Wesley Harding) who knows better than anyone how to weave satire and social commentary into a melody.

Why This Matters for the Arts Community

Producer Joyce Linehan describes the series as a "beacon of hope and resilience," but for those of us in the creative trenches, it’s also a reminder of the utility of our art. In a world that often feels like it's tearing itself down, "Which Side?" is a space designed to build something up. It’s a place to find your people, recharge your creative batteries, and remember that songs have always been tools for change.

"We’re finding comfort in our collective activism, reminding us that music is an important counterbalance." — James Sullivan

Join the Conversation

The event is pay-what-you-want, ensuring that the room remains accessible to everyone. Proceeds support the artists and staff, with leftovers going toward nonprofits fighting for intellectual freedom—a cause that hits home for any creator today.

• When: Tuesday, Jan 20 | Doors 7:00 PM | Show 8:00 PM
• Where: The Burren Back Room, Somerville
• Tickets: Reservations are strongly suggested (these nights tend to pack out). Grab yours at
• whichside.boston.

Let's show up, listen, and figure out which side we're on together.