The Northampton Arts Council (NAC) has begun the process of renaming the annual live music benefit concert, formerly known as Transperformance. The Northampton Arts Council board and staff members in the City’s Department of Arts and Culture made the decision to rename the concert in order to embrace and support all members of our community. NAC, in turn, invites the community to help generate a new name by providing recommendations and feedback. A google form survey will be released in the near future to collect the feedback.
 
The Northampton Arts Council started the signature event in 1990 as a way to bring the community together and raise essential funds for arts programming in Northampton Public Schools. The concert has been a hallmark event that’s raised over $500,000 over the past 30 years to support the arts in Northampton. The annual concert invites artists from all over the region to perform as one of their favorite musicians. The concert was named “Transperformance” as a nod to the transformation musicians undergo when they take the stage and perform covers.

Renaming the concert is part of NAC’s ongoing equity and inclusion work. NAC acknowledges and apologizes for any harm or negative impact using this name has caused to members of our community who are trans. “The name does not align with our equity statement. We’re excited to rename this performance so that it’s accessible and welcoming to as many people in our community as possible.” said Danielle Amadeo, Chair of the Council. “This concert is one of the highlights of NAC’s summer program and it raises essential funds to support arts programs in Northampton public schools. We’re excited for a name that accurately reflects the mission of this program,” Amadeo continued.

This year’s concert temporarily named Performance 31: Unsung Heroes will take place on Aug. 17 at the Pines Theater at Look Park. It will be a showcase for acts that have not yet been featured at the concert including music by Bonnie Raitt, Patti Smith, Wilco, Smokey Robinson, and Wilson Pickett.