The Good Trouble Project will hold its first benefit concert for 2026 on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Pascal Hall, Rockport, featuring master African percussionist Annegret Baier along with two special guests. The show will raise funds for the Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) Food and Energy Assistance in Rockland.

Founded in 2023 by local singer-songwriters John and Rachel Nicholas to honor the legacy of Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, the Good Trouble Project is dedicated to producing three fundraising concerts a year. According to The Good Trouble Project, in a news release, typically 90% of their proceeds go to local organizations doing important work in the community thanks to the generous donation of the venue by the The Lesher Family Foundation and a stipend for the the featured performer by Thomas O’Donovan of Harbor Square Gallery.

The AIO Food and Energy Assistance program was founded in 1990 and has been helping the local community for 35 years. AIO is working to address food and energy insecurity in Knox County.

"Working hand in hand with our partner organizations, our vision is to have a hunger-free community," said the news release. "AIO is committed to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry, or is cold in their home."

Annegret Baier grew up in Germany and received her classical music training in violin, voice and piano from the University of Music in Stuttgart. She has studied with master drummers from Guinea, Ghana, Cuba and Brazil. She has done several residencies with her primary teacher, Famoudou Konate, in Conakry, Guinea. She performs throughout Maine and New England, solo and with her bands Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm, and The Strangely Possibles.

"Get ready for some infectious rhythm in the house," said The Good Trouble Project.

John and Rachel will host as usual and do a short opening set and then turn the stage over to special guest appearances by David Dodson and Doug Day.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $15.

Pascal Hall is located at 86 Pascal Avenue, Rockport.

For info, text John at 508-314-1506