Brandi Carlile’s “Human Tour” was always slotted to perform in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 21, 2026.
But with an aggressive — and often illegal — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation continuing across the state, the show became something even bigger.
To support Minnesotans and those most affected by ICE, Carlile offered digital streaming access, with all proceeds of the stream being donated to The Advocates For Human Rights, a nonprofit in Minneapolis that provides legal aid to local residents seeking asylum and detained by ICE.
She renamed the show: “Be Human: A Concert for Minneapolis,” and also invited local activist group Singing Resistance to perform on stage during the show.
“I couldn’t bring myself to get onstage in Minneapolis in front of 12,000 plus people without recognizing what Minnesotans have been going through,” Carlile announced a couple of days before the scheduled concert.
“So I wanted to take this opportunity to harness the power of music and raise funds for The Advocates for Human Rights.”
In addition to allowing streaming access online for 48 hours, the concert was also broadcast live on The Current at 89.3 FM in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
In just one evening, fans raised over $600,000 through livestream tickets.
“Last night, our community came together to stand with Minnesota. Through music and joy, we have already raised over $600,000 for The Advocates for Human Rights,” a post from Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation shared the morning after the concert.
“Your amazing generosity will fuel their work fighting for the rights of immigrants and displaced people and will grant needed access to free legal representation for those in detention.”
Carlile’s foundation continues to accept donations for the organization a few days following the concert, and those interested in watching the whole event are able to purchase and watch the concert via Veeps for $29.99 until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on February 23, 2026.
“Let’s keep it going! This amount is a testament to the level of impact we can create when we work together to Make Music Mean More,” the foundation continued on social media.
Prior to the concert, Carlile had made her own $25,000 donation to The Advocates For Human Rights in late January.
“I am so heartbroken and angry for Minnesota. Over the past month, the community there has continued to set an incredible example for the rest of us, demonstrating the power of uniting to protect our neighbors and defend what is right,” she wrote in a statement with the donation.
“Now, more than ever, it is vital that we continue to hold each other and take action to stop the hate that is spreading through our country,” she continued. “What affects one of us, affects all of us, and we need to continue to look out for each other.”
Along with opening act The Head And The Heart, Carlile’s community of artists, musicians, and activists have cheered on her efforts in Minnesota and beyond.
“‘The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible,’” author and longtime friend Glennon Doyle commented on Carlile’s Instagram post about the concert, quoting Toni Cade Bambara.
“Thank you for being the irresistible revolution, Brandi,” she concluded. “Thank you for being the irresistible revolution, Minnesota.”
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Header image by Skyler Barberio for Brandi Carlile
