We rolled into Athens around 9pm for a 10:30 show. The streets of downtown were already buzzing with activity. Word was that tonight there were a lot of shows in town to compete with. With only two weeks to plan we were super lucky to book Athens Cine( http://www.athenscine.com/ ). I was optimistic about turnout because Our local organizers, Laura Estrada and Xavier Kim, did such a great job getting the word out. In addition we got great press coverage from the Athens Banner Herald, NPR, and WUOG.
By 10:30 the room was packed! Laura, our evening’s emcee, took the stage to welcome everyone to the first stop on the tour and welcomed Chien Andalou to the stage to play a few pixie cover songs. After Chiens set Xavier came to the stage to introduce several local activists promoted awareness of a number of issues being addressed locally including Man made climate change, Justice for Palestinians, and economic justice. By the time Hope For Agoldensummer ( http://www.hopeforagoldensummer.com/ ) went on the venue was over packed, people standing and sitting, the room was full of positive energy.
After Hope For Agoldensummer played a amazing set Doug Ament took the stage to share his experience as a soldier during the initial Iraq invasion. As Doug spoke the crowd fell deaf, one could feel the impact of his words. It was as if Doug had brought the human cost of war into the room. As I scanned the room I spotted dozens of eyes welling with tears.
After Doug Spoke Contraverse ( www.myspace.com/substancetheory )went on and blew everyone away. All in all our first stop has made me super excited about the rest of the tour. We are already seeing the fruit of seeds planted as we bring art and activism together.
Tim Franzen
Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition
American Friends Service Committee
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