Jackson Browne Sings

Powerful, swelling and echoing stuff. I guess "haunting" might be the back-of-the-book-jacket word for the first song.

The second, "Roll Out the Drums of War," is punchier, almost like Tool-meets-Neil Young. "Let's not talk about it anymore," might be the most sickeningly right-feeling line. "Who are the profits for?" Or is it "Who are the prophets for?" Either way, good question. "Who makes a fortune?" Word, I can tell you a few names that might fit... This guy's writing is great. Dylan but updated. Never too much, but always incantatory and gripping. The crowd loves it.

Going into over-time, but nobody's cutting the music. He flew in from L.A. just to play tonight. Rock-rock, Jackson.

"I ain't no communist, but I ain't no capitalist. And I ain't no socialist... I only know one party, and it is freedom. I am a patriot," he sings. People clap along. Ends too soon. And it all ends. The question might not have been answered, but it at least has been thoroughly asked.

David Lindorff

...from earlier today, sings with his daughter about Iraq. "It's one, two, three - what are we fighting for? ... Five, six, seven - open up the pearly gates..." A charming ditty, I suppose.

[I'm told the song is a version of a Country Joe McDonald song with the refrain, "Don't give a damn, / next stop is Vietnam."

And then a short intermission. The technical director appears on the live-feed, moving mic stands around. The house is almost too packed to move through.

Duncan Sheik and Nero

Dunk reads the words of Nero (the first known leader to use a speechwriter) as a woman in a white dress sings and his band plays beautifully behind him.

The speech is chilling. Nero orates about his plan for Rome, his consternations - how can so great an empire have let its poor grow so many? A great song, a creepy Orwellian rant, taking its time.

The next song is a Dunk solo, a light number, years later, as Nero takes "endless long vacations" with his cronies, slits the blood of those who oppose him. "Crowned with Love," I think the piece is. It has a speedy, snowballing, fast-talking power. A "Let Them Eat Cake" nonchalance.

Then Rome burns. "What a night it was, back in 64... (It really was just 64)," says the narrator. Nero quickly lays the blame on others. "Such a photo-op," Nero with the victims, looking like a leader who cares. But he says the people are better off homeless - if only you'd seen their homes before.

A song, beginning with the female lead, "The towers fallen, without an answer, ashes on the wind..." Dunk backs her up. A somber song.

The stage darkens.

Closing Night - Songs, Poems, Impeachment Proceedings

Duncan Sheik and Jackson Browne in the hizzy. And a harp. A big ole harp. Soundcheckin.

Found out about tricorner hat-guy. He's Thomas Jefferson, as reincarnated by/into performer Tom Bower. He's with a camera-guy. Doc on Thomas Jefferson? Google's no help here. Maybe it's a secret, shh...

The lobby's absolutely full. It's cold outside. Not the Noreaster predicted, but chilly. The sound quality's great in the theater, but lots of checkin left to be done. I'm not exactly in the way, in the corner of the booth, but I'm not exactly useful.

Action movie previews playing on the wall in the lobby as some doc moves forward, un-fasted. They switch to live feed. House opens.

Duncan Sheik sitting in the house, mingling. Very amiable atmosphere, plus a big harp. Former intern in the house, representin.

Sittin on the steps. Allan Buchman tells us about restoring a piano for Duncan Sheik.

EMACIPATE AND COMEDY AT WCS

So on Tuesday night (July 3) WCS hosted another EMANCIPATE show at the knitting factory. The show was incredible to say the least. It was a night of spectacular musical performances featuring Pistolera, Christina Courtin, Vicki Randle, and Cris Williamson. You can come and check out EMANCIPATE again on July 10th at 7:30 pm at the knitting factory: an evening launching Myth of the Motherland, a film about young artists' travels to 12 African nations over 3 months. Featuring Queen Godls.

In addition, you can expect a series of comedy shows at the culture project this week which are as follows:

7/5: Liz Swados' Political Subversities (10:30 pm): A wild night of songs, scenes, and monologues portraying the absurdity of our world and the outrageously stupid behavior of the people in it. The young cast brings a unique perspective to mix with Elizabeth Swados' years of trouble-making.

7/6: Julie Goldman (9:00 pm): Julie Goldman may just be the funniest woman alive. This extraordinary comedian, with strong roots in the gay and lesbian communities and the activist world, brings her latest solo show to Women Center Stage.

7/7: Ladies Laugh Last With Lizz Winstead (9:00 pm): Lizz Winstead (The Daily Show, Air America) headlines the evening of the funniest women comedians around, including Julie Goldman, Negin Farsad, Katie Halper, and Desiree Burch. Presented by Women Center Stage and Laughing Liberally.

The shows are going to be great so come and check them out on any or all of those nights. For even more information, visit cultureproject.org

our buddy's new music video

CP pal Peter Buffett has a gorgeous new music video!

listen to this!

musician Peter Buffett thinks we need voices of reason and has decided to amplify this one:




rock on MLK.