Photo by Chris Line
The Freedom From Religion Foundation in the fifth installment of its unique monthly freethought concert series spotlights composer and songwriter Cole Porter on Monday, Aug. 24!
“The Great American Freethought Songbook with Dan & Darcie” (approximately one hour in duration), presented before a live audience in Madison, Wis., will be livestreamed starting at 7 p.m. CDT on FFRF’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and Freethought TV, FFRF’s free streaming service for smart TVs and other devices. (It’s easy and free to download) The show will be available to watch afterward on YouTube and Freethought TV at your convenience.
The seven-month concert series celebrates major figures of the Great American Songbook and their secular viewpoints. August’s program highlights Cole Porter, whose sophisticated lyrics and unforgettable melodies helped define the Great American Songbook. Porter produced an extraordinary catalog that includes favorites such as “Night and Day,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Anything Goes” and “Begin the Beguine.” Though he was raised with religion, Porter later described himself as an agnostic, and his independent outlook shaped both his life and his art. The show will feature performances of many of his best known works, accompanied by stories about his remarkable career and freethinking philosophy.
The monthly series is hosted by FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, a veteran pianist and freethinker, alongside Madison vocalist Darcie Johnston. Through live performances and historical commentary, they examine the stories behind some of the nation’s most enduring songs while highlighting the secular and freethinking ideas that influenced many of their creators.
Upcoming performances will feature Richard Rodgers (with Mary Rodgers) on Monday, Sept. 21, and a finale on Monday, Nov. 9, featuring a medley of nonreligious 20th-century songwriters, including Jay Gorney, Burton Lane, Tom Lehrer, Frank Loesser, Thelonious Monk, Stephen Sondheim and Charles Strouse.
If you missed earlier installments, you may catch them now on YouTube or look for them in Freethought TV’s archive. If you live in the Madison area, you may RSVP at ffrf.us/RSVP-Concerts.
Celebrate the music, life & views of COLE PORTER.
Monday, August 24, 2026 ( RSVP by Thursday, August 20 ) (Please only RSVP if you are able to attend in person)
Charlie Brooks Auditorium
Freethought Hall, Madison, Wis.
6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Refreshments served: Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, dessert.
6:45 – 6:50 Please be seated. (Concert is being video-recorded and live-streamed.)
7 – 8 Enjoy the performance with Dan Barker & Darcie Johnston.
RSVP by Thursday, August 20. Invite your family, friends and colleagues! (Please only RSVP if you are able to attend in person)
Watch the performance live by going to FFRF’s YouTube channel or Facebook page. It can also be viewed on Freethought TV, FFRF’s new streaming service for smart televisions and mobile devices. For installation instructions, go to freethoughttv.ffrf.org on your smart tv or cellphone.
Free street parking after 6 p.m. Close to Overture Center parking ramp, West Mifflin.
Mark your calendar for future concert dates:
Monday, September 21 — Composers Richard & Mary Rodgers.
Monday, November 9 — Finale. Medley including Dorothy Fields, Jay Gorney, Burton Lane, Tom Lehrer, Frank Loesser, Thelonious Monk, Stephen Sondheim and Charles Strouse.
