Brunswick Women’s Sing in collaboration with Midcoast Voices for Democracy will host a rally at the gazebo on the Brunswick Mall as part of the national “I Can’t Keep Quiet Day” on Saturday.
“My wish is that it is just an enlivening, memorable experience for everyone who participates,” said organizer Pat Cannon of Brunswick Women’s Sing.
The idea for the event began when members of Brunswick Women’s Sing wanted to sing some of the songs that were attached to the Women’s March on Washington. When Cannon went to find sheet music for the song “Quiet” by MILCK, she found out about the national event when people would sing the song all over the country. The group collaborated with Midcoast Voices for Democracy to hold the event, which is fol- lowing the 10 Actions in 100 Days.
Lynn Ellis of Midcoast Voices for Democracy said that the event has the same spirit as the Women’s March, which she described as nonviolent civil discourse.
Cannon added that the event isn’t against anything, but is about “affirming women’s experience, their feelings, and a resolve to use their voice in personal and civic situations.”
“The song is iconic, it’s really resonated with so many people,” said Cannon. “I think the song encapsulates feelings that many people can relate to, and I think with some of the things that were said during and after the presidential election, it’s igniting a response to be empathetic and to speak.”
Together, the groups will sing the song at the same time as other groups around the country.
“It’s not a performance, it’s a chance to kind of join together in singing,” said Cannon. “MILCK is calling it sonic prayer.”
People interested in participating can visit icantkeepquiet.org and download the music and learn the song. Cannon said they will be singing version three of the song.
The Brunswick event is one of two participating rallies in Maine, the other being in Camden. The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Brunswick Mall, though Cannon said that people can arrive at 11:45 a.m. for a practice run. Following the singing at the gazebo, the group will hold a flash mob at an undisclosed location.
nstrout@timesrecord.com
Two rallies
• THE BRUNSWICK event is one of two participating rallies in Maine, the other being in Camden. The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Brunswick Mall.
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