EARLY BIRD TICKET SALES OPEN 3/27!
An annual tradition in partnership with Evanston SPACE, A Concert for Justice is a soulful celebration of the power of community that raises critical funds for the Moran Center’s lifeline of integrated legal, social work, and restorative services.
In its first year, A Concert for Justice featured local talent, headlined by Chicago’s own Mavis Staples with support from singer-songwriter Nathan Graham. In the Concert’s second year, Los Lobos took the stage, with support from local blues musician Dave Specter.
This year, Danielle Ponder will headline A Concert for Justice. A former public defender with a passionate message of hope and unity, Danielle exemplifies the Moran Center’s message.
ABOUT DANIELLE PONDER
Danielle Ponder, a once-in-a-generation talent, brings soul and added meaning to this year’s Concert for Justice, with her genre-defying sound and unique backstory. With myriad influences, from the gospel she grew up singing, to trip-hop, blues, pop, R&B and alt-rock, Ponder defies genre effortlessly and powerfully as she spreads her message.
At the tender age of 39, Ponder gave up a successful and rewarding career as a public defender in her hometown of Rochester, NY to focus purely on her music, which up until then had been a passion on the back burner. By 2022, she signed her first record deal, and became a trailblazer on her own unusual path to worldwide renown, developing the distinct style centered around her commanding voice.
Ponder’s debut album, Some Of Us Are Brave (2022), garnered critical praise, and her live performances include four major TV appearances, and sold out shows across North America and Europe. She has performed at festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Afropunk, and Montreux Jazz Festival.
ABOUT EVANSTON SPACE
SPACE is a live music hall located in Evanston, Illinois, established in 2008.
Over the past decade, SPACE has welcomed thousands of local and national touring acts, including The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, Graham Parker, Nick Lowe, David Lindley, The Weepies, Dr. John, Lucinda Williams and many more.
SPACE hosts both seated and standing-room-only shows across a variety of genres — from folk to rock to jazz and beyond. In 2018, SPACE celebrated 10 years of live music with the inaugural “Out of Space” series, a full summer of outdoor concerts welcomed by 93XRT in some of the most beloved locations in the City of Evanston.
The Concert for Justice will fill the main stage and venue’s adjoining lounge and patio for a special evening of music and community.
IN CONCERT WITH OUR COMMUNITY
The Concert for Justice has traditionally supported the Moran Center’s fundraising efforts in addition to a gala or reception later in the year. This year, the Concert and reception will serve as the Moran Center’s singular special fundraising event.
SPACE is the perfect venue for this special night, as guests can “choose their own adventure,” with the ability to attend a Concert in SPACE’s venue or catch up with fellow advocates and friends in the venue’s roomy lounge and patio.
Your support through event sponsorship helps us acquire new supporters, raise funds, and grow visibility of our innovative, community-based approach of restorative legal aid.