This year’s theme, We the People, was chosen to represent the ACLU and the NYCLU’s goal of bringing people together to take on the toughest civil liberties challenges of our time.

After speaking about some of the challenges we face in the country and the ways in which the NYCLU and ACLU are fighting back, NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman launched into a scathing critique of Brett Kavanaugh. The new Supreme Court Justice was confirmed despite credible allegations of sexual assault. But in summing up her opening remarks, Lieberman said the night was not about Kavanaugh or President Trump.

“It’s about celebrating,” Lieberman said. “Tonight, it’s time to sing.”

The theme We the People — which is also the ACLU’s tagline — emphasized the importance of our Constitution, our collective power to effect change, and the importance of connection in our current political moment. The show was comprised of original music written specifically for the concert and known standards from Broadway musicals past and present.

The music uplifted our theme and highlighted the issues the ACLU and NYCLU work on each day to defend our democracy.

PERFORMERS

Ari Afsar

Nikko Benson

Erich Bergen

Nick Blaemire

Stephanie J. Block

Eisa Davis

Ariana DeBose

Michael Kayne

Lynzy Lab

L Morgan Lee

Kristolyn Lloyd

Wé McDonald

Nadia Quinn

Krysta Rodriguez

George Salazar

Caesar Samayoa

Liana Stampur

Shaina Taub

Ada Westfall

Brooklyn Youth Chorus

SONGWRITERS

Ari Afsar

Eli Bolen & Mike Pettry

Clinton Curtis

Eisa Davis

Michael R. Jackson

Shaina Taub

Ada Westfall

MUSICIANS

Clinton Curtis

Justin Goldner

Vinnie Sperrazza

Benefactor

Marianne & Steve Mills

Richenthal Foundation

SHS Foundation/Richard Feldman

Partner 

Lieff Cabraser Heimann Bernstein LLP

Lowenstein Sandler LLP

David Mills

Barbara Whitman

Shirley and Al Evenitsky Fund for Social Justice

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP

Guardian

1199 SEIU- United Healthcare

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS

Christopher Street Financial

Emery Celli Brinkerhoff and Abady LLP

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, P.C.

Jujamcyn Theatres

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Lamb Financial

Latham & Watkins LLP

New York Health & Racquet Club

Outten & Golden LLP