Satesboro!!

We woke up in Augusta to an amazing breakfast cooked by the world famous Ayman Fadel, Mmmmmmm. Thanks Ayman! After a nice warm meal and some strategizing with Ayman and Joey we said our goodbyes and hit the road Statesboro bound. On the way to the Boro we played the 5’s game, where you go around in a circle and asked each other questions like, “what’s you top favorite bands” or, “what’s tope 5 least favorite animals”.
We rolled up to the French Quarter Café around 4pm which gave us more then enough time to set u p for the show, a nice change for a chronically late organizer. The local organizer that put together our last stop, Jeremy Foreman, had planned a film screening and discussion to proceed the usual “State Of Change” festivities. So we watched the Film, “Lioness”(www.cinema.handsonogeechee.net/lioness). After the film we had a lively discussion moderated by a local teenage activist Emma Tracy. At one point a civil debate broke out between a Marine recruiter and several active members of Iraq Veterans Against War (www.ivaw.org). Eventually the Marine recruiter admitted to the crowd that there are many military recruiters that knowingly lie to minors in order to convince them to join the war effort.
After the discussion Jeremy took a moment to describe how folks can get involved with Hands On Ogeechee( http://www.handsonogeechee.net/). Then I had the pleasure of introducing, “The Wild”, who played another killer set!
After “The Wild” played I took some time to discuss the state of the anti-war movement in the south before introducing Jason Heard and Maggie Martin from Iraq Veterans Against War. This wasn’t the first time I had heard Jason and Maggie speak so I know that folks were about to be hit with some first hand realities about what’s happening in Iraq. I could tell the audience was deeply effected by their statements and I really appreciated that they were able to stick around and have one on ones with folks.
“Contraverse”, again blew everyone away, they even played an encore just for me. Thanks guys!! After we packed up the bus we were invited to a house party and decided to check it out. Food, fire, and drinks! The local sheriff even showed up to so hello.

Oh yeah, we got great media coverage thanks to Jeremy and Caitin Barrow for e-mailing,faxing, and cold calling media. We made the cover of "Connect"!
So this was our last “State Of Change” tour stop, and it was a truly successful tour on so many levels. “State Of Change” built on the success of 2007’s “State Of Hope” (www.stateofhope.blogspot.com) tour. We’re already talking about how to build on this years tour and make 2009 the year we build the strongest statewide progressive youth movement Georgia’s ever seen!
THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED ORGANIZE A TOUR STOP, HELP FUND THE TOUR, AND CAME OUT!
PEACE,
Tim Franzen
Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition/AFSC

AUGUSTA 12/12

I gotta say we were all super impressed with Joey Traina, who organized and emceed the event. Dude knows how to work a crowd. After Joey welcome everyone to the event he took some time to talk about what the local group, Central Savannah River Area Peace Alliance( http://www.csrapeace.org/ ) does and how folks can get involved. Then Joey Introduced the first band, “The Wild” ( www.myspace.com/thewildatl ). By their second song “The Wild”, lead by GPJC all-star Witt Wisebram, won the crowd over with their energetic folk punk anthems.
After Joey thanked “The Wild” he read some poetry that challenged the military industrial complex before inviting, “Contaverse” to the stage. Now I must say that I’m a fan of good hip hop. A good beat really sets the mood but what I really dig is the flow and lyrics that good emcees bring. “Contraverse” has great flow and thoughtful lyrics. They really should be heard way more.
After a two great bands I had the chance to speak to the crowd about the rising tide of militarism in America. Despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of Americans and Iraqis support an immediate withdrawal of US troops in Iraq, our government still pans to keep ten and thousands of combat troops and mercenaries in Iraq for years to come. Unless we can figure out a way to transform public opinion and sentiment into clear action to end the war it’s clear that American forces may never leave Iraq. I also warned the teenage populated crowd about the reality of military service. The military claims to exist to support young people but the fact is that only 15% of recruits end up getting a college diploma. On average Veterans make about 15% less their non military serving counter parts.
The last band, “Blackout”( was SOOO energetic and excited to play. Seemed like they have several had different friends jump up and play guitar for a song or two, which was really cool. It was the first time that “State Of Change” featured a metal band!
After packing up and saying our goodbyes we headed to a place that The CRSA Peace Alliance organized for our hospitality and lemme tell, it was hospitable! Big beds and BIG bathtubs(that we all soaked in)! We love Augusta, and we love CRSA Peace Alliance!

Marietta

The recently renamed group, Kennesaw State University Peace and Justice Coalition (formerly KSU campus Greens) sponsored our last stop of the week. This group has a great track record of demonstrating commitment to taking action against social injustice in their community and abroad. They also picked my neighborhood coffee shop, Cool Beans Coffee Roasting Company (www.coolbeanscoffeeroasters.com ), yay!
Cool Beans usually closes at 7pm on Sundays but they agreed to stay open till 10pm just cuz we asked real nice. The weather brisk, but not too cold for our only outdoor show of the week.
Amber, the evening’s emcee welcomed everyone to the show and reminded as all why we gathered for the nights events. Amber introduced the evenings first act, Nerd Queen. Before playing a short set she spoke to the crowd about her fathers experience in the Vietnam war. We then heard a short set by Vivian, a gender rights activist.
The evening brought Contraverse’s most energetic performance yet. Dozens of folks danced as they again impressed crowds with their smart lyrics and skillful flow. Following their set I once again spoke to the crowd about why we gather. Our country continues to spend $720 million dollars a day on death in Iraq, $720 million we could
Be spending on fixing our healthcare system, education programs, social security, man made climate crisis, national infrastructure, or a number of other domestic social problems. Once again I had the pleasure of welcoming Doug Ament to the stage to share his experience as a soldier in Iraq. As usual the crowd was deeply affected. Many there approached Doug after his talk to thank him for speaking out. I had several young people tell that the war never felt so real to them as it did after hearing Doug. We encouraged folks to stand with us and take provocative action to end the war.
Bipolar Bears played a rockin’ set and out several loyal fans of theirs to strenthen the crowd. It all ended with another beautiful set by Hope For Agoldensummer. I usually get tired of hearing even bands I like play multiple shows in a short period of time, not the case with HFAGS. I’ve fallen more deeply in love with this band every night!
STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING STOPS IN MACON AND AUGUSTA!!

Americus!!

Some shows we go into hoping to inspire, others we hope to be inspired by. I honestly didn’t care what kind of turnout we had a Koinonia Farms (http://www.koinoniapartners.org/ ), I was just excited to be at one of the most peaceful spots on Earth I’ve ever been.
The drive to Koinonia was beautiful. We passed blooming cotton patcheds and flat farmland that stretched for miles. When we arrived we were greeted by two lovely smiling faces belonging to Mary and Krista, a few of our local organizers. The youth group that organized our Koinonia stop were by far our youngest. They had us set up in a cozy chapel that still host daily prayer and Sunday services. Loads of people showed up, far exceeding our expectations. It was by far the coziest, friendliest crowd I’ve every set up any kind of show for! As usual Contraverse and Hope For Agoldensummer were freakin great. Everyone loved them.
After the show the folks at the farm had a bonfire waiting for us with marshmallows and all!
After a good night sleep at the guesthouse and a breakfast of peanut butter bumpers and homemade cranberry bread mmmm…, Sarah And her adorable daughters gave us a history and tour of Koinonia that incuded a sampling of the tasty new fairtrade dark chocoate esspresso bean bark YUM!! After a walk on the peace trail and a stop by the gift shop we hit the road Marrietta bound.

Peace,
Tim Franzen
Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition

Atlanta 10-17-08

Atlanta
So the story with the Atlanta stop is that we had a last minute cancellation in another city and only had four days to secure a venue and promote the show. There was serious doubts that we’d be able to get a decent turnout. Dannemans (http://www.dannemans.com/) coffee shop, in the old 4th ward, was nice enough to et us use their lovely upstairs space. By 8:30 the place was packed! Caitlin Barrow, the evening emcee, welcomed everyone to the show and introduced Contraverse to the stage. The crowd immediately connected with Contraverse’s positive message and tight flow. As they rocked the mic several folks asked me, in delight, where we found these guys.
After briefly speaking about the seemingly endless war in Iraq I had the pleasure of introducing Doug Ament for the second night in a row. Again Doug’s talk of his experience as a soldier In Iraq was a highlight of the evening.
Hope For Agoldensummer spun gold for the crowds ears once again, to no surprise.
The evening brought out an overwhelming number of young people who where eager to actively alternatives to violent US foreign policy. The majority of attendees at this event signed to take action with GPJC demand that our government end the war in Iraq and not only bring our troops home, but make sure their needs be addressed once they enter the crucial re-acclimation process. We also had several folks approach us about counter military recruitment material and strategy.
Another successful evening with the State Of Change Tour!!!

Tim Franzen
Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition
American Friends Service Committee