NEWS BRIEF: ‘Freedom Sings’ musical to feature Grammy winners

Anna Anderson

Music will fill Van Meter Hall on Monday when musicians part of the “Freedom Sings: Music that Matters” show take the stage.

Produced by the First Amendment Center, the event will feature songs that have historically caused discord and change in the United States. Some of the songs on the program have even been banned or censored in the past.

A multimedia presentation and narration will accompany the music. The narrator scheduled to perform at WKU’s performance is Gene Policinski, the senior vice president and executive director of the First Amendment Center.

Policinski has been involved with “Freedom Sings” since the beginning of the program in 1999. For him, the concert is a creative way to educate an audience.

“In the process of presenting that show, we will educate people about the First Amendment,” Policinski said.

On Monday, he will join a cast of experienced vocalists and instrumentalists, such as drummer Craig Krampf and vocalists Jonell Mosser and Suzi Ragsdale.

Policinski said the show is primarily geared toward college students, partially because of practical issues. He said most universities have large buildings, good communication and a built-in audience.

Aside from these issues, Policinski said the concert’s message is particularly important for co-eds.

“The leaders of tomorrow are college students,” he said.

The event is sponsored by WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, Department of Political Science, Political Engagement Project and the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility.

“Freedom Sings” begins at 6:30 p.m. and is a free, swipe-able event.