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Rocker Abby Nissenbaum New Release

Rock artist Abby Nissenbaum is releasing her newest single “If You Wanted to You Would” due out January 2nd. Nissenbaum writes from the heart exploring themes of depression, isolation, & heartbreak but anchored by messages of hope, empowerment & community. Complemented by her effortlessly honest & raw vocal delivery Abby offers relatable, honest & heartfelt lyricism amidst catchy melodies, beautifully contrasting the energetic indie-rock soundscape which surrounds her. Nissenbaum stated, "’If You Wanted To You Would’ is my modern take on a 60s torch song. I was inspired by artists like Lesley Gore who could combine vulnerability & heartbreak with quietly radical feminist declarations all delivered in a sweet, melodic pop package. The song is ultimately about the moment you stop negotiating your worth in someone else’s uncertainty & decide instead to choose yourself & your own wellbeing instead. The through line of, “if you don’t care / then it’s all good / if you wanted to, you would” sounds a bit like resignation on face value, but at its core, I see it as a mantra for closure.” Nashville-based LGBTQ indie-rock artist Abby Nissenbaum is a lifelong musician, classically-trained soprano her 2023 debut EP "Unreliable Narrator" swept international press with accolades from Wonderland, Earmilk, Notion, Clash, Psychedelic Baby Mag, Today in Nashville & She Makes Music UK among others. Nissenbaum’s emotive, bright vocal performances blend with contemporary indie-alt rock elements creates a compelling & unique sound worthy of the kudos so check out “If You Wanted to You Would” due out January 2nd. 
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Full Circle Honoring Our Shared History

Cris Williamson returns to The Freight for her annual homage to the New Year bringing a curated set of songs from 5 decades for 2 shows on January 10th & 11th at 7P in Berkeley, CA. Singer, songwriter, musician, teacher & activist Williamson is one of the most important figures from the women's music movement rooted in the '70s. Cris stated, “A musical & visual journey through our shared history, beginning & ending with The Changer & the Changed … songs that soothed us, wooed us, summoned us, united us, strengthened us & gathered us together in community. Let’s greet this next year together, armed with memories of what we've done, pride in who we are & our shared belief in what is possible.” Cris has continued to write, record, teach & tour including 3 sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall. Along with touring, a new album & a documentary in the works her recent album Harbor Street serves as a mirror of these difficult times. Williamson continues to be a fearless trailblazer, an avowed feminist & a proud lesbian long before most dared to come out. In 2018 Cris & Judy Dlugacz founders of the landmark women-led label Olivia Records were honored with the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive by the Americana Music Association. Since 1968 The Freight has been deeply rooted in the aspect of Berkeley’s culture that embraced freedom, justice, acceptance, collaboration & innovation. Premium advance tickets are $74 & premium day of show tickets are $79. General advance tickets are $54 & general day of show tickets are $59 including all fees. 
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Stonewall National Museum 2026 Gala

Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library will ceremoniously & historically induct Jon Stryker, retired Congressman Barney Frank & Janis Ian into its nationally traveling “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibition on February 21st at The VENUE in Wilton Manors, FL. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum’s President & CEO stated, “Deeply impactful & culturally transformative, Stryker, Frank & Ian will be memorialized among other LGBTQ+ trailblazers in Stonewall National Museum’s national human rights exhibit. It will be an incredible experience to unveil their exhibition pieces & celebrate their achievements with guests at our 4th annual Gala. Our three honorees continue to be transformative figures in all aspects of our society. They uniquely represent what is best in us simply by being themselves. Jon has impacted the planet with his one-of-a-kind foundation, his board service & commitment to our humanity. Barney can synthesize what is going on in the world & keep it in perspective & in his colorful & expressive way, letting us know this too can be solved & then there is Janis. Her vulnerability in words & music takes you in & her wicked guitar riffs keep you emotionally engaged, it’s almost like being hypnotized & transformed. I am thankful that in the world as it is today, these three will be inducted into our exhibit & join us in repairing our world.” The “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibition has been displayed in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Philadelphia, PA, NYC, Washington D.C., New Orleans, LA, New Jersey, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rockland County, NY, Arlington, TX, West Palm Beach, FL & continues its travels to cities from coast to coast. 
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Boston Holiday Pops Traditional Bliss

Last night I attended the Boston Holiday Pops & it was the most uplifting experience I’ve had in months. The Holiday Pops runs now through December 24th with vibrant shows filled with traditional Christmas & holiday classics. Under Keith Lockhart leadership guests included the Metropolitan Chorale conducted by Lisa Graham with fabulous renditions of classic favorites like "The Twelve Days of Christmas" arranged by David Chase & the 80’s anniversary of Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride". There was also a performance of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” & "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" before Santa made his appearance during the concert's finale. Keith Lockhart was so gracious bringing the audience together in these times on a humanistic level calling for understanding & peace. Lockhart spoke to the audience about the Boston Holiday Pops as a cherished family tradition, a source of hope & continuity & a way to connect people through music emphasizing its role in defining Boston's holidays & offering a sense of shared joy & peace amidst life's challenges highlighting its endurance & ability to bring our community together for decades. The orchestra & chorus wrapped up the evening with a medley of Santa-themed songs followed by the traditional Christmas sing-a-long. When the audience again ventured out into the winter weather it was with a song in its collective heart. Lockhart is celebrating his 30th anniversary of conducting the Boston Pops which includes over 2,250 performances, 45 national tours to more than 150 cities & 5 international tours. For an additional holiday treat get 50% off all tickets for Tuesday December 23rd 11A performance when you enter promo code POPS50 before selecting your seats. 
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Global Movement Celebrates 35 Years

For 35 years Outright International has worked with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the human rights movement by documenting & amplify human rights violations & advocating for inclusion & equality. Julie Dorf, Outright Founder stated, "When we founded Outright 35 years ago, we couldn't have imagined both how far we'd come or the ferocity of today's backlash. This anniversary isn't just a celebration—it's about transferring hard-won knowledge while learning from a new generation that's refusing to accept these rollbacks as inevitable." Maria Sjödin, Outright Executive Director added, "Since becoming Executive Director, I’ve watched governments weaponize our identities, cut funding, and try to intimidate entire communities into silence. But here’s what they underestimate: the global movement that Outright has helped build for 35 years. When crises hit, we don’t wait. We act. We get resources to those who need them, amplify voices that are being silenced & protect the progress generations fought for. Today’s backlash is real, but so is the power we’ve inherited from those who came before us & it’s what will carry us through the next 35 years." Jessica Stern, Outright Executive Director 2012-2021 & Former U.S. Special Envoy for LGBTQ Rights concluded, "As U.S. Special Envoy, I saw up close how few governments intervene when LGBTQI+ people are attacked or criminalized. That dehumanization & its normalization is staggering. It’s why strong LGBTQI+ movements are essential—not only to demand justice for our communities, but to defend anyone targeted for who they are. We deserve far more than survival. We deserve safety, dignity & joy." I talked to Jessica Stern back in 2016 about this movement in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN  
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Guitarist Sharon Isbin Concert Event

Multi-Grammy Award winner Sharon Isbin will be performing a solo concert Thursday December 18th at the 92NY Kaufmann Concert Hall at 7:30P in NYC. The program celebrates America at 250 with works including John Duarte’s Joan Baez Suite inspired by songs from her early career, Tan Dun’s Seven Desires & Bruce MacCombie’s Nightshade Rounds. Central to the program is John Duarte’s moving Joan Baez Suite written for Isbin & inspired by songs associated with one of her musical heroes including “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Barbara Allen” & others. Isbin stated, “It’s a joy to welcome the coming year with a solo concert this Thursday December 18th in New York City’s 92NY Kaufmann Concert Hall, 7:30pm! The program celebrates America at 250 with remarkable works composed for me, including John Duarte’s Joan Baez Suite inspired by songs from her early career, Tan Dun’s Seven Desires and Bruce MacCombie’s Nightshade Rounds. Joan Baez, who joins me in two tracks on my GRAMMY-winning album Journey to the New World which features the suite. It’s a privilege to salute her upcoming 85th birthday with this music! Other highlights include Andrew York & in homage to Spain's pivotal role in the American Revolution, works by Granados, Tárrega & Barrios.” For over 150 years the 92nd Street Y in NYC has harnessed the power of arts & ideas to enrich, enlighten & change lives & the power of community to repair the world. I talked with Sharon in this retro podcast about her American Public Television documentary “Sharon Isbin: Troubadour”. LISTEN  
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The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show ‘25 Tour

The Queens of Christmas BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon will host a global livestream of this year’s critically-acclaimed all-new iteration of “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents on December 23rd at 7P PST. Audiences who can’t make it to the live show in-person will get to stream the show as the award-winning comedy duo perform at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA. BenDeLaCreme Presents is also thrilled to announce actress & Saturday Night Live alum Vanessa Bayer as the new voice of “Rodudu” in this year’s holiday show - a Rudolph-themed Labubu-inspired toy that plays a key role in bringing Jinkx & DeLa together to explore the dangers of A.I. Also announced is that Emmy winning actor Jeff Hiller will be the voice of this year’s narrator Mr. Fir. Directed, produced & written by BenDeLaCreme this year’s tour continues now through December 30th across the U.S. & Canada in major theaters. BenDeLaCreme is an award-winning theatre & film producer, comedian, director, writer & global drag icon who continues to reshape & build the drag industry on a major scale. Jinkx Monsoon is an award-winning actress, comedian, recording artist & the first & only drag queen to win RuPaul’s Drag Race twice. Throughout the show’s 8-year history Jinkx & DeLa have met sentient Christmas treats, twisted space-time with Dickensian Ghosts, escaped the meta clutches of their own holiday traditions & led a harrowing rescue mission in the Nutcracker's Land of Sweets. Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as "the reigning queens of Christmas" this show is not only a moment of respite but a celebration of community at a time when we need it most of all. I talked to Jeff Hiller in 2018 about his work in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN
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Rocker Abby Nissenbaum New Release

Rock artist Abby Nissenbaum is releasing her newest single “If You Wanted to You Would” due out January 2nd. Nissenbaum writes from the hear...

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