All Tom Mullian is saying is "Give peace a chance" - even if it takes civil unrest, public demonstrations and group arrests. The Media musician's mission of peace and social consciousness takes him across the Philadelphia region for concerts, rallies, demonstrations, vigils, fundraisers, protests and any other public event where humanity and human rights are an issue.

Although Mullian's message of peace is simple, the social and political implications are complex and often international in scope. If it's happening in Darfur, Iraq, Iran or New Orleans, it's happening to Mullian and his socially conscious cohorts. They are not anti-American. They are pro-people.

"The great misconception is that peace activists are dissenters and critical - making them un-American," says Mullian, 53. "In reality, we have more concern on how America operates within the context of the globe. We want to fix what's wrong and have a great love of country and the world."

The altruistic troubadour will be one among many artists to perform at the fourth annual Delaware County Peace Festival Saturday on the grounds of the grounds of the Springfield Friends meeting House, 1001 Old Sproul Road in Springfield. Mullian opens the show at noon.

The festival is Mullian's opportunity to showcase his new CD Six Strings Against the War. The stage is yet another opportunity for the singer/songwriter to spread his message.

"My intent is to tell the truth about these days of our history and the war and to entertain and engage (the audience) with storytelling," says the lifelong Delaware County resident. "People don't want to be lied to and want a sense of fair play. These are songs and stories for everyone."

Mullian has been featured on WXPN's World Cafe Live and plays over eight different types of stringed instruments - from a Regal Steel guitar to an all-natural earthen instrument known as a gourdalin. His lyrical body of work contains elements of country, folk, rock, blues and music of social conscience.

"I first met Tom when he started playing the gourdalin at our store," says Drew Arata, co-owner of Earth & State in Media. "He has very nimble fingers and can make strings sound like anything - from medieval to banjo."

Tom was encouraged by local community members in Media where he often plays in storefronts and coffeehouses, to compile his collection of peace songs. Arata calls Mullian's latest release the "peace album."

"All the songs have peace anthems. These are the peace songs Tom's played over the years. He's had this album in his mind for years and years" says Arata, who, with Mullian, organized the Southern Comfort Katrina Relief Concert held in Media last September. "Tom's really put himself on the line for the peace movement."

Songs on the Six Strings Against the War CD like "Pledge of Resistance," "Bombs Away!" and "Outlaws of Peace" define Mullian's fierce determination to fight for the truth through his music, lyrics and storytelling.

The title song is about a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War at odds with his father so he becomes a singer and sings for peace. "My songs are not hypothetical but from my real life experiences," Mullian says. "I know a lot of veterans and families who have lost sons in Iraq."

"Since 9/11, I've really been concerned about the direction this country is going in," says Mullian. "That is when my social concerns and musicianship really came together."

For the past five years, Mullian has been a member of the Brandywine Peace Community. "I've been doing progressive things for many years. I started in music when I was 12. I was inspired by the music and social movement of the times."

Bob Smith of Swarthmore is one of the co-founders of the Brandywine Peace Community. "We are a faith-based activist group focusing on war and militarism, challenging war economics and the corporations involved in military and war contracting," says Smith. "Tom is a very active member who has performed at many of our demonstrations and rallies over the last five years since 9/11. His music has been the soundtrack for our actions over the years."

Whether protesting at Lockheed Martin, drawing attention to the war in Iraq or rallying for non-violent change, Mullian proudly wears his heart on his sleeve.

"We all love our families. Social consciousness extends that love to the community, the states, the country and the world," Mullian says. "It may sound cliche, but if it happens to my brother, it happens to me."

If you go: The fourth annual Delco Peace Festival begins at noon this on the grounds of the Peace Center at Springfield Friends Meeting House, 1001 Old Sproul Road, Springfield. Arts, crafts, food and family fun for all. The event features the music of John Flynn, Tom Mullian and other artists performing throughout the day. For more information, visit www.tommullian.com; www.Brandywinepeace.com; and Earthandstate.com.