When the idea to create a benefit compilation called Rock Against Hate was first proposed by Lazlo of blowupradio.com, musicians from throughout New Jersey pledged their support. The compilation wound up with contributions from 60 different artists and is currently available from Bandcamp.
“In the aftermath of the divisive election, and the increase in hate crimes in the aftermath, I was not alone in feeling like overnight our country became a much more hate filled place,” said Lazlo. “But I also saw how some musicians were putting their thoughts into song. I wanted to do something positive, even if only in a small way, so I reached out to friends of mine, who just happen to be musicians, to see if any were interested in doing a compilation to benefit some good causes that will need more funding because of the outcome of the election.”
Artists were asked to provide songs that showcased activism, social issues, or protest in some way. A look at the titles shows that artists followed that advice. Songs include “It’s All Right (No!)” by Val Emmich; “A Change In Empathy” by Beatrix Potter; “Fight The Good Fight” by DDA; “Thought Police” by Brett Fuentes; “An Angry Voter” by Happy Joe; “Dear America” by Reconstitute; and “I Can’t Make Sense Of Your Crazy” by Lisa Coppola.
The compilation includes songs from artists like Jon Caspi & The First Gun, Bruce Tunkel, Rachel Romanowski, The Successful Failures, Lifeguard Nights, Zak Smith, SonOfDov, Sarah Donner, Keith Monacchio, Billy Hector, and Fairmont.
There are no plans to create a physical CD of the compilation and with nearly 70 tracks it would wind up being a costly box set. By keeping it as a digital download, the minimum donation for the entire compilation is just $10, but people are welcome to donate as much as they want and donations will go directly to the organization they choose. After an initial discussion, Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project were decided on as the two beneficiaries. Users can go to RockAgainstHate.org and choose which organization they would like to support.
“The incoming administration continually says that defunding Planned Parenthood is a priority, which is unfortunate, because the organization offers so many health care services,” continued Lazlo. “And The Trevor Project does so much to help LGBTQ people. Unfortunately, in America LGBTQ people are more likely to be targeted for a hate crime than any other minority group.”
Future possibilities for Rock Against Hate include a concert or multiple concerts to raise additional funds for the two organizations, but no plans have been made as of yet.
Join us for McCarter at the Museum - renowned performing artists in one-night only events at the Princeton University Art Museum.
Jason Robert Brown is a four-time Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist of The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World, 13, The Bridges of Madison County, Honeymoon In Vegas and The Connector, has performed as a soloist or with his band in venues around the world, including sold-out shows at the London Palladium and Carnegie Hall. His albums as a singer-songwriter include Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes and How We React and How We Recover on Ghostlight, and Coming From Inside the House and Live In Concert with Stephen Sondheim on Concord.
With Special Guest Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe. Tony Award-nominated actress Betsy Wolfe is currently starring as Audrey in the acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, following her recent Broadway run as Madeline Ashton in the hit musical Death Becomes Her. She previously originated the title role in Joy, the new musical inspired by inventor Joy Mangano, and earned a 2023 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her celebrated performance as Anne Hathaway in & Juliet. Other Broadway credits include starring as Jenna in Waitress, Cordelia in the acclaimed revival of Falsettos, Bullets Over Broadway, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Everyday Rapture, and 110 in the Shade, as well as her critically acclaimed performance as Cathy in the Off-Broadway revival of The Last Five Years. Wolfe made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Die Fledermaus and has appeared as a guest artist with more than 65 symphony, pops, and philharmonic orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra, with performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Her screen credits include First One In, Estella Scrooge, CBS’s Instinct, and the film adaptation of The Last Five Years. Wolfe is also the co-founder of BroadwayEvolved, the acclaimed musical theatre training program she launched in 2018 to train and mentor the next generation of theatre artists.
A limited number of early access tickets for McCarter Director’s Circle members and members of the Museum’s Partner Circle are available, on sale Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM. General public on sale begins Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
Please be aware there is no public drop-off or parking at the Museum. For visitors with mobility needs, please contact the Museum at least three business days in advance of your visit to request special access to the Museum via Elm Drive. Call 609-258-3788 and select option 1 to speak to a visitor services staff member, or email Louise Barrett at [email protected].
