Thursday, April 19, 2007

April 21 Earth Rollers Tribal Son

Today is Earth Day. Education precedes action. But the link between the two is getting from what to how. I have a theory that activism is cyclical, activists are more likely to emerge from relatively good economic cycles, survivalists from poor economic cycles. I recently read Silent Spring, written by naturalist Rachel Carson. The post WWII economic jag seeded American culture with great optimism in technology. This included large scale use of chemical pesticides and herbicides which were derived from chemical weapons research in Germany and the US. Carson's seminal book was actually read and lauded by President John Kennedy in its time, within the year though, Carson died of cancer, dogged by a campaign of character assassination by the chemical industry. That book and 1960's activism for peace and equality resulted in the passage of the sweeping National Environmental Policy Act, and the first Earth Day in 1970.

Portland's Earth Day celebration will be at Woodlawn Park. It's an opportunity to link up with like minded individuals to work on the issue you pick as yours. Info at http://www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/projects/earthday

Algerian Berber tribal fusion DJ Cheb i Sabbah was one of the first producers to mix world samples into dance music. In the late 1970's! His tracks, in turn, have been remixed by major world fusion DJ's and also DJ's in the samples' originating Asian, African and Arab climes. Local heartful diva Jen Folker has collaborated with Sabbah on vocals. He will DJ at Pi-Rem (11-2) and at a more intimate, shoes off, non alcohol event at the NIA Space, 918 SW Yamhill, above Art Media. Not sure if his slot at the NIA event is pre or after hours. Details: http://www.pi-rem.com/ http://www.tribalmatrix.info/

Cana Son throws a Cuban dance music party. Sounds at http://www.myspace.com/canason At the Mambo Lounge in Imago 17 SE 8th 10PM $10

The Rose City Rollers has it's regular four teams, the Heartless Heathers, Guns and Roses, Break Neck Betties and the High Rollers. Tonight though it's their all star unit, the Wheels of Justice, formed of rollers from the four teams verses the Las Vegas' Sin City Neader Dolls. Also competing is the Rose City Rollers b-unit, Axles of Annihilation, junior rollers clawing their way to the top. They face Bend's Lava City Roller Dolls All details at http://rosecityrollers.com/