Thursday, March 28th

The Local Honeys (Montana Hobbs and Linda Jean Stokley) is a highly acclaimed musical duo from Kentucky that was formed a decade ago. Montana and Linda Jean are solidly anchored in the Appalachian culture and music they grew up in and deeply respectful of those roots, but their innovative songwriting, storytelling and musicianship are not constrained by tradition, as their music is very much of its time, elegantly and powerfully capturing the beauty, struggles and complexities of contemporary Appalachian life. Their most recent album is the eponymous, The Local Honeys, on La Honda Records. http://www.thelocalhoneys.com/

March 28th | 11:13 am to 11:25 am | Zellerbach Hall

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Keynote


Friday, March 29th

Chris Pierce, a highly acclaimed, socially-conscious singer/songwriter/musician, has been described as “one of America’s most talented, gifted, and affecting artists.” He has toured or played nationally and internationally with such luminaries as Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal, Al Green, Steve Earle, Allison Russell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Jill Scott, Keb’Mo, Blind Boys of Alabama, Aaron Neville, Allison Russell, Sara Bareilles, and others. He has performed at many prestigious venues from The Kennedy Center to NPR’s World Café to the Newport Folk Festival. His most recent albums are 2021’s American Silence, widely viewed as one of the best folk albums of that year, and 2023’s Let All Who Will. In addition to his solo career, Chris Pierce performs/records with Sunny War as “War and Pierce,” with the Americana/roots band Leon Creek, and occasionally with the Black Opry Revue.
chrispierce.com

March 29th | 11:07 am to 11:19 am | Zellerbach Hall

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Keynote


Chris Pierce
Singer, Songwriter, Musician

Bioneers is proud to present a great double-bill concert featuring one of the nation’s leading “engaged” singer/songwriter/musicians, Chris Pierce, and a truly exciting duo from Kentucky, The Local Honeys, poised to become not only leading artists in their home state but defining voices of a new Appalachia.

This concert is presented as part of the 35th Annual Bioneers Conference, taking place March 28-30 in Berkeley. The Bioneers Conference is the ultimate gathering of movement leaders and champions of ideas and initiatives that have the power to create a brighter, healthier, and more just future. Join us at Bioneers 2024, where we’ll share what we’ve learned, link arms, nourish our hearts and vision, and align ourselves to prevail for the long haul.

Chris Pierce, a highly acclaimed, socially-conscious singer/songwriter/musician, has been described as “one of America’s most talented, gifted, and affecting artists.” He has toured or played nationally and internationally with such luminaries as Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal, Al Green, Steve Earle, Allison Russell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Jill Scott, Keb’Mo, Blind Boys of Alabama, Aaron Neville, Allison Russell, Sara Bareilles, and others. He has performed at many prestigious venues from The Kennedy Center to NPR’s World Café to the Newport Folk Festival. His most recent albums are 2021’s American Silence, widely viewed as one of the best folk albums of that year, and 2023’s Let All Who Will. In addition to his solo career, Chris Pierce performs/records with Sunny War as “War and Pierce,” with the Americana/roots band Leon Creek, and occasionally with the Black Opry Revue. (chrispierce.com)

The Local Honeys (Montana Hobbs and Linda Jean Stokley) is a highly acclaimed musical duo from Kentucky that was formed a decade ago. Montana and Linda Jean are solidly anchored in the Appalachian culture and music they grew up in and deeply respectful of those roots, but their innovative songwriting, storytelling and musicianship are not constrained by tradition, as their music is very much of its time, elegantly and powerfully capturing the beauty, struggles and complexities of contemporary Appalachian life. Their most recent album is the eponymous, The Local Honeys, on La Honda Records. (http://www.thelocalhoneys.com/)

NOTE: Access to this performance requires a separate registration from Bioneers attendance, with an additional ticket price of $30. This concert is open to the general public. Doors at 8:00pm.

While we would love for you to join us for the full Bioneers Conference experience, you can buy tickets for just the concert below.

March 29th | 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm | Freight & Salvage

Note: A separate $30 fee is required for this event.

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Panelists


Chris Pierce
Singer, Songwriter, Musician

Saturday, March 30th

The Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company (DAYPC) is a diverse group of teens that collaborates with professional artists to create dynamic, original productions. Combining hip hop, modern and aerial dance, theater, song, and rap, company members take the stage to tell stories that stem from their lived experiences and express their visions for a world transformed. Since 1993, DAYPC has performed original work for up to 25,000 audience members annually, garnering critical acclaim and widespread community support for both their technical prowess and their commitment to advancing inclusivity, equity, and justice.

March 30th | 10:46 am to 11:58 am | Zellerbach Hall

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Keynote


Throughout history, the most significant movements for positive change have nearly always been accompanied by powerful artistic expressions that shed light on injustices and offer visions of a more equitable society. We are currently facing unprecedented challenges as our climate unravels and reactionary authoritarian movements gain in momentum. Does navigating these seemingly perpetual existential crises necessitate new strategies from the “engaged” creative community? This session will feature leading activist/artists and innovative figures reshaping art institutions, who will share their insights and experiences. Moderated by Arturo Mendez-Reyes, founder of Arts.Co.Lab, a “Cultural Equity Agency” dedicated to strengthening the cultural ecosystem within marginalized communities. With: Devon Bella, founder of Art and Climate Action, a Bay Area collective committed to fostering a sustainable and environmentally-conscious arts community; David Solnit, renowned direct action organizer, author, and puppeteer, co-founder of Art and Revolution; Orion Camero, former Brower Youth Award winner and Spiritual Ecology Fellow.

March 30th | 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm | Golden Bear Room, Hotel Shattuck Plaza

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Panelists


David Solnit
Muralist
Climate Justice Arts Project
Arturo Mendez-Reyes
Founder
Arts.Co.Lab
Devon Bella
Founder
Art and Climate Action
Orion Camero
Action Lead Program Manager
Narrative Initiative