TrueSongs

This annual show features original songs and first-person stories about the good work being done by local nonprofits, the courage and commitment of everyday people, and the power of songs to open hearts and create understanding.

Over several months, Caffe Lena songwriters have worked with local people who have endured significant life challenges. The result is a performance about real-life struggles, kindness, and determination unfolding around us.

Held at Universal Preservation Hall, this year’s show features an athlete who keeps playing despite losing his eyesight; a restaurant worker who found purpose running a food pantry program; a young mom whose health crisis became a foundation to help others; a person creating space for the natural world to flourish in town; and a young woman who has overcome profound learning challenges to live a full life of music, friendship, and independence.

This year’s program features these speakers, songwriters, and team coaches:

• Camp Abilities — Speaker: Maxwell Shear; Songwriter: Kate McDonnell; Coach: Al Ciejka
• Whitman Foundation — Speaker: Jackie Whitman; Songwriter: Girl Love (Laura Beth Johnson); Coach: Margaret French
• Wildwood — Speaker: Debbie Smith; Songwriter: Sawyer Fredericks; Coach: Shawn Banner
• SoBRO Conservancy — Speaker: Johanna Garrison; Songwriter: Slambovian Circus of Dreams; Coach: Vivian Nesbitt
• Franklin Community Center Food Pantry — Speaker: John Falco; Songwriter: Cassandra Kubinski; Coach: Beth Sabo Novick

Tickets are available on the Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) website. Tickets are $20 plus fees.

TrueSongs is generously supported by Business for Good Foundation.