Rufus Wainwright, The National to headline concert for marriage equality

Rufus Wainwright

By Hilary Gridley

Wedding singers may not fit everyone’s idea of serious musicians, but what about musicians fighting for everyone’s right to a wedding? Renowned artists Rufus Wainwright, The National, fun., and They Might Be Giants will band together to raise awareness and funds for the issue of marriage equality, performing at the Freedom to Love Now! Concert for Marriage Equality.

Proceeds from the concert, which takes place at New York City’s Beacon Theater on October 30, will benefit Freedom to Marry, which works to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. Since it was founded in 2003, Freedom to Marry has pursued its Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination.

In addition to the artists listed above, American folk/blues musician Toshi Reagon and singer/performance artist Mx Justin Vivian Bond will perform at the event. Writer/actor/director John Cameron Mitchell will also team up with his partner, composer Stephen Trask, to DJ a set.

Event organizer Boom for Equality is a live entertainment company that promotes a future where all Americans are treated fairly under the law. Its partnership with Vermont-born pianist and singer Thomas Bartlett was born from a common drive to harness music’s creative energy and channel it for the common good.

“The key to winning the freedom to marry is raising our voices, opening hearts, and moving minds,” said Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry’s founder and president.

fun.’s Jack Antonoff adds, “The upcoming election will be vital for all of us who believe in ending discrimination. We can’t wait to be a part of this amazing event with some of our favorite artists and raise money for an incredible organization that is working hard for a better America.”

Tickets for the Freedom to Love Now! Inaugural concert are now available here for as low as $45. Fans can also select the “Commitment Ring” ($250) or “Engagement Ring” ($1200) options to enjoy perks such as acknowledgement in the program and invitations to the meet-and-greet party.

Can’t make the concert? Freedom to Marry is inviting fired-up activists around the country to organize concerts for marriage equality in their own communities through its website.

Simon Retner, a co-founder of the event, emphasizes the importance of these grassroots efforts, saying, “We want this show to be a Call to Action for folks just like us — musicians, fans, high-school students, any American citizen – to standup for what’s right, and throw their own marriage equality event and support our president.”

Support Freedom To Marry and their efforts to secure and defend marriage and stop anti-gay amendments here.

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