Democracy Now!So...while having the RNC in your backyard is a shitty thing, especially this year, and especially because St. Paul has reacted by turning the city into an overt police state full of super scary dudes in riot gear, it has brought good music.
SEIU Take Back Labor Day
This event was great and by far the most peaceful thing I have seen thus far in the city since the RNC kickoff. Why? Probably the lack of riot police. Labor-activist-extraordinaire/musician Billy Bragg kicked off the show, which was weird to me...but I guess that he's a lot less famous to most of the people in attendance than the other acts on the bill. The show was amazing and of course, Bragg's subject matter was appropriate. Furthermore, it was nice to hear someone not from the US talk about labor as an international movement and about the current political scene in the US.
Steve Earle and Allison Moorer were next -- and this was especially amazing. Steve Earle is a recent discovery for me and his live show only helped cement my fondness for him. …
SEIU Take Back Labor Day
This event was great and by far the most peaceful thing I have seen thus far in the city since the RNC kickoff. Why? Probably the lack of riot police. Labor-activist-extraordinaire/musician Billy Bragg kicked off the show, which was weird to me...but I guess that he's a lot less famous to most of the people in attendance than the other acts on the bill. The show was amazing and of course, Bragg's subject matter was appropriate. Furthermore, it was nice to hear someone not from the US talk about labor as an international movement and about the current political scene in the US.
Steve Earle and Allison Moorer were next -- and this was especially amazing. Steve Earle is a recent discovery for me and his live show only helped cement my fondness for him. …
