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Taken from Port Folio Weekly (Jul 10, 2007)
Show Drought
by Jerome Spencer
 It seems like I have an easy enough job, right? Hell, I just compile a list of shows in a semi-literate manner between a few rants and slap my name on it. Well, it’s pretty simple when I’ve got a show or two to get excited about, but what about weeks like these when none of our local venues have any decent shows worth mentioning? Sorry, guys, this is looking pretty grim. Perhaps this would be a good week to catch a movie or get involved in politics. Or both...
Go to The Boot this Sat., July 14, and catch Michael Franti’s amazing documentary I Know I’m Not Alone. The Spearhead frontman and world-renowned musician travels to Iraq, Palestine and Israel to uncover the human cost of war – with his guitar and camera as his only weapon. Like Travel Channel merging with CNN, I Know I’m Not Alone pulls you into these war zones, forcing you to face the humanity and experiences of life amidst war and/or military occupation.
This isn’t some watered-down Hollywood documentary. Narrated by Franti himself, it’s his reaction to the frustration he felt as he witnessed politicians and pundits rant about the cost of war without mention of the human cost. Inexperienced filmmaker that he is, Franti does a spectacular job of using guerilla-style filming to capture the real emotions and feelings of war. Of course, he is a musician first, so I Know I’m Not Alone is fueled by Franti’s own amazing and relevant compositions tailored exclusively for this film.
Although war is in and of itself politically motivated, this film isn’t wholly about politics. It’s about basic human rights and using humor, art and music to overcome stresses and tribulation that many of us will never understand. It’s not some overtly divisive and snide film a la Michael Moore or some cowardly attempt at justifying the disaster in Iraq, but an achingly sincere human rights film by a person who genuinely cares.
It’s also about you. It’s about getting involved and doing something besides grumbling from your couch and reading the local left-wing publication you get for free every week. Michael Franti’s got balls and he’s made a film that challenges all of our armchair activism pettiness and reminds that we’re all just people and we need to stand up for one another. So what can you do? You can start by showing up at The Boot for either the 1 p.m. or 10 p.m. screening of the film. It’s a benefit with My Yoga Spirit for Power to the Peaceful, so you’ll already be well on your way to making a difference. And I guarantee you’ll leave The Boot with an enlightened view and a newfound purpose in your life. And I guess that’s better than catching a mediocre band this week.
But that doesn’t let you venues off the hook. Step it up with the shows, you’re making this job harder than it has to be.
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