Unified Concert Blends Bands, Speakers, Peaceful Protest

This American Song

Friday, Jan. 20

They say that political discontent breeds action. In the wake of Trump's election, events have popped up around the city as well as the entire country. If you're an Erieite who wants to put your focus on something else during inauguration day, Unified might be the event for you.

Organized by Larry Wheaton of This American Song and Daniel Doubet of Keystone Progress, Unified brings together music, discourse, and peaceful protest. While many of those involved share a background in the political activism of punk rock, the mindset is far from aggressive. Wheaton outlined the event's mission, writing that "the goal is to put a diverse group of individuals into one place with one common goal: peace."

Taking place at the all-ages venue, Basement Transmissions, the event weaves together bands and speakers throughout the evening. One of the bands, This American Song, has been a fixture of the Erie music scene for years, bringing their distinct blend of alternative rock and Americana with punk roots. With the energetic presence of singer Jeff Phillips, creative expert musicianship, and a growing horn section, the band is sure to entertain.

Local quintet Planet Claire will give the show a bitingly sweet edge as well. The band, fronted by Sue Martin, delivers a lively twee punk sound. Using a simple formula combining driving rhythms and catchy melodies, the band has been a cult favorite for years.

Jovial Cacophony will close out the night, bringing their excellent brand of idiosyncratic tunes to the table. Mixing experimental folk with the adventurous tradition of lo-fi bedroom albums, singer Jack Rys creates a fantastic fusion that truly lives up to its name.

Blanket the Waters will open the show, featuring the acoustic songwriting of Jesse Guerrein of Gone for Six and Junk Shop Failure.

The event will also feature a variety of speakers throughout the evening. Be sure to check out talks from filmmaker John Lyons, community activist Daniel Doubet, entrepreneur and organizer Selena King, and Cindy Purvis, well versed in the fields of healthcare and renewable energy.

Wheaton went on to summarize Unified, noting that "we hope that this event will make us feel stronger together as we try to encourage our community and our country to continue moving in a peaceful direction." – Nick Warren

6 p.m. // Basement Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // Free // facebook.com/events/943390372464258