Project 2026 Blue Tsunami in Support of Democratic Candidates to Reclaim Our Democracy – Inspiring

By Alix Cohen

This is the 15th iteration of Blue Wave, now Blue Tsunami variety fundraisers which began in 2018. Pied Piper Stephen Hanks stepped into the fray with ardor and organizational skills. Artists have enthusiastically volunteered their talent. Conviction is palpable. Often unusual song choice and educated, impassioned comments are impressive.

Richard Skipper opens this evening with an earnest “It’s Not Where You Start, But Where You Finish.” (Cy Coleman/Dorothy Fields) What once were light lyrics suddenly sound determined, unflinching. Hanks welcomes us: “Good evening, communists. Can you freakin’ believe they’re carting out that McCarthy chestnut?! …I’m confident we’re gonna take the House. This money is going to Senate candidates who can flip battleground states….

David Sabella’s “How Did We Come to This?” (Andrew Lippa- The Wild Party) is galvanizing. “Laughing at our neighbor/Smiling at a hiss/How did we come to this?” Wrenching performance showcases heart and rigor without being over the top. MD – Mark Harmon.

News in Ukraine interviewed a woman who said she and her husband would dance at home- in the face of danger and destruction. Reading this, Raul Malo of The Mavericks was inspired to write “And We Dance.” It’s a ‘rage against the dying of the light’ song. “And so we dance/And hold our heads up high…” Hanks sings, barely able to stem tears. The arrangement, dedicated to Malo and his wife of 45 years (Bea), is gorgeous, performance moving.

“No More Mr. Nice Guy” is from the Disney animated film. “Watching cartoons with my daughter- she learned to hate people who had qualities of the cartoon villains.” Clough inhabits the character. New Orleans sound supports gruff, growled, clever lyrics and a basso laugh.

Inspired by the Rachel Carson book, “Silent Spring” is the only Harold Arlen/Yip Harburg collaboration in which lyrics came first. “It’s about the damage men do,” somberly notes vocalist Karen Oberlin. Thoughtful, longlined phrasing (she sighs “silent”) enhances the poignant ballad.

At the piano, DC Anderson performs his own “What a Time to Be Alive in America” “What a time to fall in love with her dreams…Put your hand into a hand into a hand into a hand…”The song is lilting; authentic and direct. ‘A prayer with backbone.

Claudine Cassan-Jellison praises a 1960s teacher who message was “to find and retain the courage of commitments.” The artist’s incredibly unique arrangement of Melanie Safka’s 1970 “What Have They Done to My Song, (Ma)?” in English and French, resonates beyond its pop origin. David Gaines- MD

Sean Harkness first heard guitarist Ralph Towner’s only original song, “The Silence of a Candle,” on a 1980s Paul Winter recording. “And the voice within the candle whispers of a timeless peace…” he tremulously sings. Harkness’ vocal floats; guitar strings sigh.

“So apparently Elon Musk increased his worth by five hundred million dollars last year,” Mary Sue Daniels observes with disdain. “Rich People” (Carsie Blanton) is angrily barked as much as sung. Country cool attitude arrives pitch perfect. Audience spontaneously claps in time. Sean Harkness- guitar

Lianne Marie Dobbs approaches tonight’s theme with the universal “Everything Must Change” (Berrnard Ighner) Nodding as she sings, eyebrows in a point, Dobb’s voice unfurls like a great sail catching dark winds. Accompaniment is lush.“Some Day We’ll All Be Free” (Donny Hathaway) is performed by Ty Stephens with one foot in Gospel, one in Motown. Gestures are expressive. Grit lines vibrato, tugging at the heart.

Dawn Derow commends her state Senate for protecting abortion, then launches into Dolly Parton’s “Nine to Five,” replete with arcing Tennessee accent. Parton’s philanthropy is noted between verses. The club zealously sings along.

Sierra Rein’s “No Place Like Home” (Stephen Schwartz from Wicked II) is steely. “Why do I love this place that never loved me?!” Then, whomp! emotion escalates. “Oz (The United States) is more than just a place. It’s a promise, an idea. If we just keep fighting, we’ll win it back!” Amen

“We need to vote like our lives depend on it because they do,” Hanks declares.

The evening closes with Liora Michelle’s stirring version of “God Bless America.” (Irving Berlin) What begins hands clasped, reverentially a capella, erupts into an anthem.

Photos by Alix Cohen and Stephen Hanks

The Last in the series. GO!

Project 2026 Blue Tsunami
Variety Show Fundraiser in Support of Democratic Candidates
Produced by Stephen Hanks
Ian Herman MD/Piano
September 1, 2026
Don’t Tell Mama 343 West 46th Street https://donttellmamanyc.com/