Letters to the President is a concert celebration of active citizenship. It’s a musical reminder that democracy has always been a two-way conversation, and a call to make sure it stays that way.
On October 5, 2026, Letters to the President comes to The Town Hall in New York City for a one-night-only benefit concert. The evening directly supports Vote Fwd, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding trust in government and increasing voter participation, particularly among historically marginalized communities. Net proceeds from the performance will be donated to their ongoing work.
Co-conceived by Michael Bello and Jessica Kahkoska, Letters to the President is a multi-composer song cycle drawn from actual letters written to U.S. Presidents across 250 years of American history. Bello and Kahkoska scoured the Library of Congress archives to surface compelling voices spanning women's suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, marriage equality, both World Wars, space exploration and beyond. The stories are from farmers, soldiers, mothers, activists and everyday dreamers who shared hopes, dreams, demands and frustrations, with a collective belief in a brighter future.
In a moment when civic engagement feels more urgent and more contested than ever, these historical words speak directly to the present. Each song reflects a unique moment in American history and a singular voice from across the full breadth of American life.
Music Supervisor Patrick Sulken leads a remarkable roster of sixteen musical theater composers, including Mark Sonnenblick (Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winner for “Golden”), Anna K. Jacobs (Teeth, the stage adaptation of Moana) and Nick Blaemire (Glory Days), among many talented others. The full company of Broadway performers and guest speakers will be announced shortly.
Your support makes this evening possible and ensures that the proceeds go directly toward strengthening the democratic participation this show celebrates. Every contribution is an investment in both art and civic life.
Letters to the President is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible.