Actor and activist Jane Fonda led a star-studded event called "Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment" in New York City on June 14, 2026 [1].
The event serves as a high-profile effort to protect and celebrate freedom of speech, signaling a concerted push by cultural figures to defend constitutional rights against perceived threats.
Organized by the Committee for the First Amendment, the concert took place at Town Hall [3]. The program featured a diverse lineup of performers and speakers, including Bette Midler, Julia Roberts, and Patti Smith [1, 4]. Other participants included Joy Reid, Rufus Wainwright, Sasha Allen, and the Broadway Inspirational Voices [1, 4].
The gathering focused on the intersection of art and activism. By bringing together household names and political commentators, the organizers sought to elevate the conversation regarding the First Amendment to a broader audience. The event emphasized that the right to free expression is a cornerstone of democratic society.
While the primary event occurred in New York, other activities were linked to the cause. A watch party was organized in Jacksonville on June 14 [5]. Additionally, reports indicated related events in Columbus, including a gathering at the First Unitarian Church where a suggested donation was 15 dollars per person [6].
Fonda and her colleagues used the platform to call for continued vigilance in protecting the right to protest and speak truth to power. The variety of performers, ranging from folk and rock musicians to Broadway singers, underscored the broad cultural appeal of the First Amendment's protections [1, 4].
“Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment”
The mobilization of A-list celebrities and activists through the Committee for the First Amendment suggests a strategic effort to frame free speech not just as a legal issue, but as a cultural imperative. By utilizing a concert format, the organizers are attempting to engage a wider demographic in constitutional advocacy, bridging the gap between entertainment and civic activism.
