On Saturday, February 22, hundreds of Newtowners and neighboring residents packed into the gymnasium of Edmond Town Hall for Rock This Democracy, an event organized by Alex Villamil, Jim Allen, and Reverend Matt Crebbin.

Attendees were greeted by music performed by Blood’s A Rover. The band played a mix of original songs with a rock and R&B influence. Allen said, “people were dancing by the end.” He also said the last song of the night was the infamous “If I Had a Hammer,” but the band performed it with an R&B twist.

Crebbin said, “That was the nice thing about this event … We had all different kinds of ages.”

Villamil said there were a lot of speakers who came and talked to the crowd, including members from Newtown Allies for Change, Justice Southbury, and the mayor of Danbury, Roberto Alves.

The organizers wanted to incorporate many forms of art and education, including Leahjoy Pearson, aka MayaRose SpokenWord, a Southbury-based performance poet.

Pearson said of the event, “Poetry speaks to so many people and to speak out about the abuse of power is a mission and an honor … Grassroots [organizations have] always been the best vehicle for change and to bring forth not only political leaders and leadership organizations, but the artist as well tells me that we are truly utilizing the power of the people.”

The goal of the event was to empower, educate, and uplift people during this time of political unrest. The organizers hoped to lift the light of liberty for all: all ages, all races and creeds, all orientations, all families and people.

Crebbin shared that it was “wonderful to come together” and “be a part of something bigger.”

As Villamil pointed out, Rock this Democracy’s purpose was to find a “common ground” for all people across all political parties. He said the crowd was “very supportive” and “listened to the speakers.”

Crebbin said, “I think we met our goal here. The goal here is to gather folks within the community and recognize that one of the most powerful ways in this moment to not feel overwhelmed by it is to be involved.” He added that the event was “really … to draw strength from our common cause.”

Pearson expressed her feelings, saying, “May it be the first of many.”

Villamil, Crebbin, and Allen are all incredibly grateful for the support from the community. They started planning more events under their organization, Rock This Democracy, and are currently planning several smaller events in the coming months. Villamil explained they will be “coffeehouse style” events where people can come and express themselves, ask questions, and be informed. These events are open to everyone.

Allen said, “Moving forward, we can make these interim events a very effective steppingstone towards the next larger iteration … You rock the democracy with all forms of expression, and that … is [a] zeitgeist of the cultural sense of itself has, I think, enormous power to move opinion.”

Villamil said, “The sky’s the limit” when discussing the next events Rock This Democracy is planning, and thanks the community for surpassing the fundraising goal. The organizers explained that the money will help them plan future events and help pay for the band’s talent.

For more information, access to the fundraiser which will remain open, and details about future events, visit rockthisdemocracy.org.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.