On May 30 and 31th, Washington, DC will be filled with the energy of Liberation Weekend. This bold and colorful new music and arts festival is a collaboration between punk band Ekko Astral and the Gender Liberation Movement. The celebration is designed not only to spotlight artistic expression, but to uplift and directly support the trans community through action.
Ekko Astral is poised to steal the show with their high-octane brand of punk. They’ll be performing alongside some other incredible acts, including Home Is Where, Ted Leo, and Speedy Ortiz. The group, which is fronted by Jael Holzman, is deeply committed to using their platform as a majority black band to fight for social justice and equality.
“The reason we’re putting this event on is simple: artists of all genders and genres should stand in vocal support of the trans community,” said Holzman. This feeling highlights the festival’s mission to bring artists and audiences together in support of marginalized communities.
Ekko Astral isn’t simply zeroing in on hometown shows. Plus, they’ll be presenting their original music at this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival as well in both London and Paris! Their latest album “Pink Balloons” is blowing up the scene. Critics are following suit. Nina Corcoran even recorded her reaction on camera in a glowing review.
Liberation Weekend will have you dancing to the infectious rhythms of Ekko Astral’s exciting music. Catch an amazing lineup too, including Re Hot Organization’s From the Transa! This extremely cool compilation will include contribution from artists such as L’Rain, Bartees Strange, and Asher White. It’s a fun, lighthearted, inclusive movement that aims to bring awareness and fundraise for important causes.
Proceeds from Liberation Weekend will benefit the Gender Liberation Movement, helping to fund their rallies, demonstrations and direct actions. Holzman shone the spotlight on the need for community support during these chaotic political times. “Music is one of the most universal languages that humanity possesses. We need to rally our greatest creative minds together today to save our community while we still can,” he said.
The festival promises to be an impactful event with a diverse range of performances and artistic expressions. In all, it’s a beautiful testament to the power of music and art to inform, inspire, and propel movements for social justice.