Some of Broadway's best marked inauguration day with a concert to raise awareness for human rights charities. NY1's Frank DiLella filed the following report.

It was an afternoon filled with hope and song at Town Hall as members from the Broadway community gathered for "Concert for America: Stand Up, Sing Out!"

Friday's event was created by Broadway guru Seth Rudetsky and his husband James Wesley to help shine the spotlight on a handful of human service organizations.

"Right after the election, James and I said, 'We have to do something.' And we love concerts, and we thought, 'We have to raise money for charities being hard hit,'" Rudetsky said.

The concert featured Tony winners Betty Buckley, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, Bebe Neuwirth and more.

"I would like to have a conversation with someone I disagree with. I don't want to have an argument with them. I would like those of us who disagree to be open with each other and know that we all want the same thing," Neuwirth said.

"I don't want anybody to be discouraged. I want everyone to be encouraged. Because now is the time to make that move," Vereen said. "We need everybody to come to the plate now. Now is your time."

Broadway fans packed the venue, taking in the sounds and messages from some of their theater idols.

"I came out today because I knew today was going to be a difficult day. In fact, I burst into tears this morning at the gym," said one attendee. "And this seemed to be something full of hope."

"This is kind of what the doctor ordered, to try to bring some optimism, to shine a light on the arts and performers," said another.

Friday's concert marks the first of a series of events that will help raise money for organizations like Planned Parenthood and the NAACP. For more information, visit concert4america2017.org