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!
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!
1 comment:
Thanks for coming and bringing THE Tour to Augusta. The night was filled with information sharing, music and dancing further invigorating our local activists to keep PUSHing PEACE whenever and wherever we can!
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