Communisong RI (convenors of song) and Girls Rock! RI are thrilled to be partnering to bring Holly Near back to RI! Enjoy excerpts from Holly’s bio:

As Holly Near builds on over 40 creative years & 30 recordings, she is respected around the world for her music and activism. Her joy and passion continue to inspire people to join in her celebration of the human spirit.

In 1972, Holly was one of the first women to create an independent record company, paving the way for women like Ani DiFranco and others. Her goal was to promote and produce music by politically conscious artists from around the world, a mission that Redwood Records fulfilled for nearly 20 years. Often cited as one of the founders of the Women’s Music movement, she not only led the way for outspoken women in the music world, but also worked for peace and multicultural consciousness.

In Holly’s words: “NOW, more than ever, the peace-loving people of the United States would be wise to put forth an alternate perspective to war, revenge, and fear-based home security. We can gather together to remember our highest selves and find the courage to stand up for peace and justice. Our country has been a leading model of social change movements in the past. We can do it again!”