MIDDLEBURY — Annie Patterson and Peter Blood will lead a sing-along concert in Middlebury on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the Middlebury United Methodist  Church.
The history of social justice movements — civil rights, anti-war, the environment, labor, women’s movements, and more — is bound to the songs of the people participating. Some have become the soundtrack of a generation.  
Many people grew up with this music, and it was the songbook “Rise Up Singing,” created Annie Patterson and Blood, that gave the music the words and chords. The two have published a new volume, “Rise Again.” To celebrate the release of this treasury of songs they, joined by other artists, are touring the country with sing-along concerts they call “Rise Again: The Tour.”
Blood and Patterson will be joined by Magpie, Bill Harley and Charlie King for the Middlebury concert. This is a chance to sing together as a community — and buy a copy of the new book if desired — and celebrate this unique edition and addition to the “Great American Songbook.”
Blood first created the book as “Winds of the People” in 1973. Patterson joined him in 1988 and 1992 when they published the first two volumes of “Rise Up Singing.” Over 1,200 songs with words and chords are included, covering more than 30 different categories. This newest volume, “Rise Again,” includes many favorite oldies as well as newly added jazz, blues, rock-and-roll and songs written since 1988. It is the ultimate, and legitimate “fake book.” 
Pete Seeger was an enthusiastic champion of vocal communities and of “Rise Up Singing.” He wrote the preface to “Rise Up Singing,” and before his death in 2014, wrote the preface for “Rise Again.” To honor and carry on Pete’s legacy, the Middlebury concert is dedicated to protecting the health and vitality of Lake Champlain.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Lake Champlain Committee, whose mission is to safeguard and preserve Lake Champlain’s environmental integrity and recreational resources for this and future generations. Since 1963 the Lake Champlain Committee has been in the forefront of stewardship of this precious lake. 
Organizers say they hope many children and young people will participate in this sing-along concert so they will have the opportunity to share this musical legacy, be inspired by this treasury of song, and pass it on to their children.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children, $50 for families, and free for children 5 and younger.
Tickets are being sold in advance, by cash or check only, at Main Street Stationery and the Middlebury Community Music Center in Middlebury, at Recycled Reading of Vermont in Bristol and at Sweet Charity in Vergennes.
Tickets are also available online at www.riseupsingingvtconcert.com. The website includes a list of community partners, including faith groups, local businesses and organizations. People who order online may you may also pre-order a book, at a discounted price, which can be picked up at the concert.
Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door, but a large turn-out is expected so advance purchase is recommended.
Editor’s note: Jack Mayer is a medical doctor.