Emma’s Revolution CD-Release Concert

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS

Emma’s Revolution, the hard-hitting duo of activist-musicians Pat Humphries and Sandy O., will hold a CD-release concert at Traditions Café and World Folk art to celebrate the release of their new album, Revolution Now. They’ve been creating and performing music together for 25 years, all while working to spread a message of peace and justice through their songs. “Writing songs is a way to express what moves you, what’s on your heart and your mind,” said Sandy O. “Writing about political issues is no different. … There are consequences to choosing to be political performers, but we are willing to do it to support a world where our values — including the freedom to sing about those values — is supported.”

Revolution Now is the band’s fourth CD, and it includes folk, funk and jazz sounds accompanied by lyrics relating to issues like refugee rights and racial justice. Although Humphries and Sandy didn’t start recording the album until fall 2016, they felt a sense of urgency to release it as quickly as possible, as “the completely inconceivable possibility of a Trump presidency became a reality,” said Humphries. “We wanted people to have these songs to keep them inspired and committed to a vision of progressive community in what was likely to be a really difficult time ahead.”

Originally from Mount Rainier, Maryland, Humphries and Sandy O. have both incorporated politics into their music since they started writing songs. “Things were going on in the world that I cared about,” said Humphries. “I didn’t want to be just sitting around singing nice songs, I wanted to say something about what was going on in the world. I cared about the larger community and I wanted to speak to that through my music.”

Emma’s Revolution has performed at thousands of concerts and activist events, including the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics and the School of America’s Watch Annual Vigils. “I love that our songs are tools that inspire and support people and their work for justice,” shared Sandy O. The band has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, won the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and was awarded the Washington Area Music Association’s fan-favorite award twice.

What: Emma’s Revolution

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 1

Where: Traditions Café and World Folk Art,
300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia

How much: $15-$20

Learn more: 360-705-2819 | Emma’s Revolution

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