Take Action x SXSW: A Celebration Of Music & Impact
- Artist For Action
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 9
This year's Take Action x SXSW brought music and activism together in powerful ways. Co-hosted by Artist For Action and Sandy Hook Promise, the two-day event fused unforgettable live performances with conversations that explored how music can be a force for change. From the debut of the new PSA “A Teddy Bear’s Dream” to thought-provoking panels and star-studded showcases, it was a standout moment of the SXSW festival, and a reminder of what’s possible when art and advocacy unite.
Night One: Music With a Mission at Mohawk
The event kicked off on March 10th at Mohawk with a stacked lineup of genre-spanning artists. The outdoor stage featured high-energy sets from Of Good Nature, JC Stewart, The Dumes, and breakout performer Laila!, leading into a nostalgic, electric performance by alt-rock legends Everclear. Sexpop and King Cruff kept the crowd moving well into the early hours.
Inside, the vibe stayed intimate and heartfelt with performances from Artie Tobia & Redtail Revival, Jo Alice, Tribe Friday, Lvvrs and Revenge Wife. A highlight was the set from Mark Barden & Friends, a performance led by the Sandy Hook Promise Co-Founder and longtime musician. As someone who lost his son in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Mark’s presence anchored the night in both emotion and purpose on stage with his daughter Natalie, who joined him on vocals.
Day Two: Music & Social Impact Summit Engages Empire
On March 11th, the focus shifted to conversation, community, and education at Empire Control Room & Garage. The Music & Social Impact Summit powered by Artist For Artist, Bandsintown and Music Managers Forum-US featured a series of powerful panels and conversations, drawing industry leaders, artist advocates, and organizations committed to change.
Highlights included pop superstars Aly & AJ joining Mark Barden for “The Social Power of Music,” exploring how artists can inspire activism and healing. The duo also took part in the deeply personal “Sound Mind” panel on mental health, social isolation and connection in the music industry as moderated by Nicole Hockley, Co-Founder of Sandy Hook Promise.
Panels throughout the day tackled everything from fan engagement to artist rights, digital strategy and brand partnerships—with expert insights from the likes of Dre London (Don Londrés / London Entertainment), Franki Chan (IHEARTCOMIX), Brian Miller (TuneCore), and many more. Attendees left energized with tools, resources and renewed motivation to build safer, more equitable music communities.
Night Two: Star Power & Standout Sets
The second night brought the energy back to the stage with another round of impactful performances. Fans lined up for interactive activations by Sandy Hook Promise and stayed for a show-stopping evening of music that balanced fun and advocacy.
The night kicked off with opener Tribe Friday and a return set from Mark Barden & Friends. The Dumes and Sexpop kept the momentum going, building up to a crowd-favorite moment: Aly & AJ delivering a powerful set that blended their signature pop energy with heartfelt messages about gun safety and mental health.
The night’s headliner, Ginuwine, brought the house down with a magnetic performance, reminding everyone why music remains such a unifying force; especially when joined on stage by Artist For Action & Sandy Hook Promise Co-Founder Mark Barden. The impromptu collaborators delivered a 12 minute rendition of Ginuwine's hit song "Pony" with endless chops and interaction with the band. Artie Tobia & Redtail Revival closed out the night, wrapping up the Take Action x SXSW event series on a high note.
From Awareness to Action
Take Action x SXSW was more than a showcase, it was a movement. With the debut of the “A Teddy Bear’s Dream” PSA and the collective voices of artists, activists and fans, the event delivered on its mission: to inspire action, raise awareness and remind us all that gun violence is preventable.
Stay connected, spread the word and keep the momentum going. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate world—one song, one story and one action at a time. Visit Artist For Action and Sandy Hook Promise for more details.
