A Wisconsin high school band has drawn national attention after a school board blocked students from performing an instrumental piece inspired by transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson.
The controversy began in Watertown, Wisconsin, when school officials objected to “A Mother of a Revolution,” a song inspired by the late Stonewall uprising figure. Despite having no lyrics, the piece was removed from a school performance.
Community supporters quickly organized an independent concert at a local church, allowing students to perform the music. Now, a second sold-out concert has taken place after band boosters teamed up with Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad to expand support for the students.
The performance was originally planned for the brewery’s beer garden before being moved twice — first over crowd size and later because of reported “safety” concerns. The event was ultimately held at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, where supporters packed the venue under a message of inclusion and allyship.
The concerts also sparked major fundraising efforts. Donations from across the country totaled more than $82,000. Organizers said the money will be used to purchase musical instruments after the school board reportedly barred students from using school-owned equipment for the independent performances.
To protect the funds, supporters established a separate nonprofit organization outside the school district’s control.
