Jane Fonda, Patti Smith and Rufus Wainwright to Lead First Amendment Benefit Concert in New York
Jane Fonda, Patti Smith, and Rufus Wainwright are among the artists and public figures set to gather in New York City next month for a live event centered on free speech, protest, and political activism.
The event, titled Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment, is scheduled for June 14 and will feature performances, speeches, and appearances from figures across music, film, journalism, and Broadway. Organizers say the 90-minute event will stream online for free while also hosting in-person watch parties around the country through partnerships with civic organizations and advocacy groups.
Additional participants include Bette Midler, Joy Reid, Sasha Allen, and Broadway Inspirational Voices.
According to organizers, proceeds from the event will support the work of the Committee for the First Amendment, a revived advocacy initiative that reemerged in 2025 with support from Fonda and other entertainment industry figures during the early stages of President Donald Trump’s second administration.
The event’s messaging is explicitly political. Organizers describe the concert as both a celebration of constitutional freedoms and a response to what they characterize as increasing attacks on civil liberties and democratic institutions in the United States.
A press release for the event described the concert as “an evening of song, solidarity, and action” dedicated to freedoms protected under the First Amendment, including speech, religion, the press, assembly, and protest.
“In a moment when authoritarians are increasing their attacks on our freedoms and communities, this is an opportunity for people across the country to rise up,” the release stated. Fonda, who has spent decades involved in political organizing and activism alongside her acting career, framed the event as both cultural and civic resistance.
“Music has long been a tool to stand up to authoritarianism,” Fonda said in a statement announcing the event. “I am honored to spend the evening with these fiercely committed, talented, and brilliant people to celebrate our First Amendment rights.”
She also directly criticized the current political climate, arguing that public gatherings and artistic expression remain essential forms of opposition. “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,” Fonda said.
The concert continues a long tradition of politically driven benefit performances involving major artists and actors, particularly during periods of heightened political division in the United States. Both Fonda and Smith have frequently used concerts, speeches, and public appearances to advocate for social justice causes, anti-war efforts, and voting rights.
Wainwright, who will also perform during the event, described music as a central part of political resistance movements throughout history.
The Committee for the First Amendment was originally established in the 1940s by a coalition of writers, actors, and intellectuals concerned about censorship and political persecution during the early Cold War era. The modern version of the organization, revived last year, positions itself as a defender of free expression, press freedom, and protest rights.
Organizers say national and local advocacy groups will host community screenings and watch parties tied to the concert, allowing audiences outside New York to participate remotely.
Rise Up, Sing Out will stream live June 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets for the in-person event are available through Ticketmaster, while viewers can also register online to host or attend watch parties connected to the broadcast.
