Shut Up and Dance

A Musical Celebration of the First Amendment

Tuesday, 23 Apr 2019 at 8:00 pm – Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall

“Shut Up and Dance” is an engaging and irreverent concert celebrating free speech through music. It tells the story of America's social struggles and progress through pop, rock, gospel, soul, country, and hip-hop music and illuminates for audiences the pivotal moments when artists were told to be quiet and instead spoke up. The program includes some of Nashville's finest musicians and features contemporary songs by Beyonce, Lorde, Macklemore, and Taylor Swift alongside vintage anthems by Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Loretta Lynn. First Amendment Days
“Shut Up and Dance” is a new program of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University and its 1 for All, a national, nonpartisan program designed to build understanding and support for the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. 

Cosponsored By:
  • First Amendment Days
  • Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
  • Iowa State Daily
  • Society of Professional Journalists - ISU Chapter
  • Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)

Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.

Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.

Lecture Etiquette

  • Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
  • Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
  • Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
  • Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.