Jane Fonda, Patti Smith, and Rufus Wainwright to Headline First Amendment Concert

In an evening of solidarity, a group of prominent Hollywood figures and musicians will gather on Sunday, June 14, in New York City for Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment. The event aims to highlight the importance of free speech and civic engagement during a politically charged era.

Jane Fonda, Bette Midler, Joy Reid, Patti Smith, Rufus Wainwright, Sasha Allen, and the Broadway Inspirational Voices are scheduled to perform during the 90-minute event. The concert will be available to stream online for free, with national partners and local civic groups hosting watch parties across the country.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Committee for the First Amendment, an organization revived in 2025 by Fonda and other industry leaders to address ongoing challenges to constitutional freedoms.

A Call for Solidarity

Reflecting on the motivation behind the event, Jane Fonda shared a statement emphasizing the role of art in political resistance. “Music has long been a tool to stand up to authoritarianism, and I am honored to spend the evening with these fiercely committed, talented, and brilliant people to celebrate our First Amendment rights,” she stated. “As we continue to watch bad faith leaders take more and more power, it is critical that we gather together, raise our voices collectively, and stand united against this administration — and have some fun while doing it.”

The concert is billed as an evening of song, solidarity, and action, focusing on the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest. Organizers noted that in a moment when these fundamental rights face increasing scrutiny, the event serves as a vital opportunity for citizens to organize and express their dissent.

Music as Resistance

Rufus Wainwright echoed these sentiments, framing the concert as a necessary response to the current political climate. “Music has always been the language of resistance,” Wainwright said. “When this administration comes for our freedoms, music is how we remember who we are and what we’re fighting for. So let’s come together, raise our voices, and remind them exactly who this country belongs to.”

Rise Up, Sing Out will stream live on June 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets and information regarding local watch parties are available via the official concert website and Ticketmaster.