The doves are still crying, perhaps more than ever.
And Sunday — which would have been Prince’s 62nd birthday — “When Doves Cry: Songs for a Revolution” will bring artists together in solidarity with the black community. Sponsored by Chelsea Music Hall, the event — slated for noon to 8 p.m. — will be a day of art, conversation and community, benefiting Color of Change, an organization that fights injustice against blacks.
Of course, Prince — an artist who fought against many types of injustices — was born in Minneapolis, where George Floyd died while in police custody, and remained in the area until his 2016 death. And just as much as he sang about sex and his own kind of spirituality, he rocked his social consciousness on songs such as “Sign o’ the Times,” “America” and the early classic “Uptown.”
Among the artists who will carry on his revolutionary spirit through live performances will be Chris Rob, YahZarah, Maya Sharpe, Koku Gonza and Phony. Meanwhile, Young RJ of Slum Village and Mega Ran will play songs from their new album, “2 Hands Up.”
Also, DJs Nickiee and Larry Millah will spin sets. And when the music pauses, there will be talks, including “Know Your Rights” and “Protect Your Health as You Protest.”
You can catch the music and the message at @ChelseaMusicHall Instagram Live.