SOUNDSTRIKE ARTISTS RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND TO PLAY HISTORIC CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING SB 1070
In their first concert in their hometown of Los Angeles in 10 years, Rage Against the Machine will take the stage at the Hollywood Palladium on July 23rd, 2010 to support organizations combating SB 1070, law set to go into effect July 29th. Projected proceeds from the concert along with donations raised by The Sound Strike Fund are expected to exceed over $300,000. This will provide much needed resources to community organizations, student groups, legal defense funds and assist activists targeting key voting districts for voter registration. These two organizations need immediate assistance to fight SB1070 on the ground: Puente, Arizona, and The Florence Project.
Puente, Arizona has been recognized as an organization that has stood on the frontlines in the struggle for civil and human rights in Arizona for years. Puente Arizona has been instrumental in community outreach that has produced the largest public mobilizations against SB 1070. Known for their tireless community organizing, Puente Arizona works directly with communities who will be most affected by SB 1070.
The Florence Project provides and coordinates free legal services, and related social services to the men, women, and unaccompanied children detained in Arizona for immigration removal proceedings. The Florence Project strives to ensure that detained individuals have access to council, understand they’re rights under immigration law, and are treated fairly and humanely by our judicial system.
The concert is part of a week of national actions culminating in the July 29th day of noncompliance in resistance to the law which is set to be enacted that same day. For more information about the week of national action go to www.altoarizona.com.
For more information about upcoming concert events to help defend immigrant rights go to www.thesoundstrike.net.
INVITE FELLOW ARTISTS TO SPEAK UP AND MAKE NOISE, SPREAD AWARENESS OF ARIZONA’S CONTROVERSIAL IMMIGRATION LAW.
In response to Arizona’s recently passed “immigration” law, SB 1070 and HB 2281, which effectively bans ethnic studies in public schools, Artists for Action is asking the world’s artists to flock to Arizona to encourage dialog around these divisive issues. “We’re asking artists to take a stand, make their voices heard, and inspire fans to get involved,” said Joey Burns of Tucson-based Calexico. “Now is the time when art can make a difference. Now is the time for action.”
Initiated by Arizona musicians, Artists for Action/VivaArizona.org is a growing coalition of artists – from fine artists to musicians from every genre – united in their belief that SB 1070, HB 2281, and other discriminatory laws will infringe on civil rights. The organization’s mission is to offer support and resources for artists who want to mobilize their fans and promote civic activism, including helping artists connect with non-partisan voter registration, legal defense funds, and organizations that promote education and the protection of protection of civil rights. In addition to connecting artists with non-profit organizations at scheduled performances, Artists for Action/VivaArizona.org will also work with artists to coordinate rallies, speaking engagements, and benefit performances. “We’re offering all kinds of methods for artists to get their fan base motivated,” said John Convertino of Calexico.
In a press conference Thursday, July 8th, U.S Representative Raúl Grijalva stated, “I am supporting the efforts of Artists for Action because they are providing a positive outlet in the struggle against SB 1070 and the ethnic studies ban. Artists have a long history of activism for social justice, and Arizona is no different.”
“What Arizona needs now is support,” explained Jim Adkins of Phoenix-based Jimmy Eat World. “I have the utmost respect for musicians, artists, and small business owners who are killing themselves to make something on their own terms. I hope Artists for Action can be the bridge to help inform interested locals. And to help bring like-minded progressive voices back to Arizona.”
La misión de ARTISTAS POR LA ACCIÓN es de ofrecer apoyo y recursos a los artistas que quieren movilizar a sus seguidores y fomentar el activismo cívico en la comunidad.
Letters to artists are available online at: http://www.vivaarizona.org/letter.php (English version) http://www.vivaarizona.org/letterESP.php (Spanish version)
