A former drum major and classically trained clarinetist turned folk singer, Matthews uses her voice to answer Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to be “a drum major for justice.” A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster child for intersectionality,” Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews’s gift “a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.” She is made for these times, and with the release of her new, hope-fueled, love-filled social justice album Changemakers, Matthews hopes to take her place alongside some of her heroes in the world of social justice music, like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. “I believe in hope,” Matthews said. “As a social-justice songwriter, it is my duty to keep breathing that hope and encouragement into the people who listen to my music.” Crys Matthews’s thoughtful, realistic, and emotional songs speak to the voice of our generation and remind us why music indeed soothes the soul. For more on Crys Matthews, visit: https://www.crysmatthews.com/ Cost: $15/person The City of Keene’s 2024 Juneteenth events are presented by the City of Keene, Keene Family YMCA, and W.S. Badger Company. Sponsored in part by: Antioch University, Brewbakers, The Colonial Theatre, The Community Kitchen, Fenton Family Dealerships, Franklin Pierce University, Great Eastern Radio, Keene State College, Main Street America Insurance, Monadnock Broadcasting Group, Monadnock Collaborative, Monadnock Food Co-op, Monadnock International Film Festival, NY International Children’s Film Festival, Savings Bank of Walpole, SwampBats, The Works, and The Toadstool Bookshop.