In that hotbed of political intrigue and teenage angst, otherwise known as Lakewood, Peggy and I sat and talked with Spencer Rex . . . a trombone player . . . and an 18-year-old high school senior. Spencer attended the New York Times Summer Academy last summer learning about concerts: site, promotion, security, and backstage control. He is returning this summer to New York to talk with other students about his experience and theirs.
Spencer is returning this summer to New York to talk with other students about his experience and theirs.A trombone concert is not in the near future, but on June 2nd, Spencer and his four person cohort are staging a rock concert in Olympia – Rock Against Trump. “I’m motivated by the power of music to bring people together,” said Rex. “The mantra of the concert is ‘Loud music, loud message, peaceful actions.’ And we’re going to lend a hand to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. They do important work providing legal resources and advocacy for all people, no matter where they were born. My grandmother was an immigrant, so this issue hits close to home for me.”
Forty Feet Tall is a riff-based, hard rock band—think The Black Keys meet Jack White, with a touch of Soundgarden.The concert will be an opportunity to encourage young people to register to vote and learn more about the issues facing immigrants during the current political climate. Rock Against Trump is a student led pro-peace concert; from fundraising, to booking bands, to promotion. Proceeds will benefit the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a nonprofit that promotes justice and advances the rights of immigrants. The event features a night of northwest bands: Forty Feet Tall, COSMOS, Little Spirits, and headliner, Tacoma’s iconic Girl Trouble.
COSMOS consists of a collective of creatively gifted artists.The Bands:
“Forty Feet Tall is a riff-based, hard rock band—think The Black Keys meet Jack White, with a touch of Soundgarden. Having focused for two years on TV and film placements like Showtime’s ‘Shameless,’ Forty Feet Tall is eager to end its performance hiatus and introduce its sound to the Pacific Northwest.”
“COSMOS consists of a collective of creatively gifted artists. They are more than a band — they are a multifaceted mixture of genres that will redefine your perception of Seattle’s sound through a blend of Hip-Hop, Jazz, Soul, and Electronic overtones.”
Little Spirits is a psychedelic folk collaboration from Star Anna and Robert Roth, both intertwined in Seattle’s music scene and history.“Little Spirits is a psychedelic folk collaboration from Star Anna and Robert Roth, both intertwined in Seattle’s music scene and history. They combine their compatible strangeness into an atmospheric spiral, grounded by acoustic guitars and elevated by the cosmic merging of two distinctly unique voices.”
Girl Trouble is “Garage rock from Tacoma/Spokane, WA. Formed in 1983, Kurt, Bon, Kahuna and Dale crashed into the music scene with their plywood speaker cabinets and a drum set purchased for $70 from the Sears surplus store in a shed beside Bon and Kahuna’s parent’s house, where they still practice today.”
“I’m motivated by the power of music to bring people together,” said Rex. “The mantra of the concert is ‘Loud music, loud message, peaceful actions.’ And we’re going to lend a hand to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. They do important work providing legal resources and advocacy for all people, no matter where they were born. My grandmother was an immigrant, so this issue hits close to home for me.”
In a world that seems full of people trying to keep people out, it’s nice to see movements like the Chinese Reconciliation Project, the Tacoma Refugee Choir, Community House, and Spencer Rex and his friends succeed as they welcome people in. Our younger citizens do need to take a stand in this world of change and choose the kind of world in which they want to live.
Our younger citizens do need to take a stand in this world of change and choose the kind of world in which they want to live.The concert will be held at the Capitol Theater – 206 East Fifth Avenue in downtown Olympia – 5:30 p.m. (doors open) – 6:30 p.m. (show starts).
Tickets available through https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=88314; $15 for students; $20 for adults.
Don,
Your Grandmother was a “LEGAL IMMIGRANT” and a US citizen.
The only way to stop the “ILLEGAL ALLIENS” is to BUILD THAT WALL MR TRUMP!
My relatives came here legally, that was an immigrant’s right. Them they became Americans, spoke English and got a job.
MJ,
Thank you for commenting. I think over the years the paperwork and red tape has increased. I know the cost to become an American Citizen has grown considerably as has the time it takes to quality. I know it we don’t want bad elements into the U.S., but each immigrant adds to our work ethic.
Thank you, again for writing and commenting.
Don
Norm,
Thank you for commenting.
Unfortunately, I disagree with you. Many people believe that the only reason for building the wall is to keep out brown people. While watching a comedy special on Netflix yesterday I saw Martin Short, a Canadian, state “I’m one of the aliens you don’t deport.” Short is whiter than white. His retort got a huge laugh . . . and this was from a concert held in South Carolina.
Some people don’t want brown people coming into America because white people will become a minority. I object to the wall because I think it is a waste of resources. I grew up in the time of the Berlin Wall. People aching for freedom and a better life either found avenues around it or died on the wall.
I think we need to rethink our policies on immigration and the cost and length of time it takes to become a citizen. We need to open the doors . . . welcome in new people . . . and help them become productive members of our society, which is exactly what they are looking for.
Please, comment in the future.
Don, a magnificent piece to welcome folks to hear a many genre concert, great music, respect immigrants of all colors, hues, faiths, and views on life. America would still be choking down British food if we’d not opened our doors to the world. Now, as we white folks fear of losing our privilege, we forget we stole America from those who greeted us with open arms. Perhaps we could again open our minds and arms to those who need a loving welcome, and not a stop sign wall of rejection.
Thank you for helping spread the good news, and reject the narrow views of a few.
Dennis,
Thank you for commenting. In a time when many people staunchly refuse to admit that change is happening and needs to happen . . . a time when our younger generation is stepping up to bring about the change . . . and a time when those of us who have experienced change can still lend a hand, it is good to know that others are willing to carry on the fight for goodness and brotherhood.
Thanks again for commenting and for all you’ve done for our world.
Don