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For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation to the dirigo group please call (512)-440-9063, or email [email protected]. |
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Gypsy's wrongful death lawsuit against PL is presently scheduled for trial on October 15th, 2001 in the Oakland Federal Court. In the past six months, non-violent forest defenders in the Mattole watershed have been violently assaulted by timber workers. The Humboldt County Sheriffs department has witnessed these assaults, and in some cases, participated. Since May 22nd, 2001, the sheriffs department has not been present in the woods, despite complaints of physical and mental abuse being perpetrated by the timber workers. These events and the county's unwillingness to respond, creates a hostile environment that led to the murder of David Gypsy Chain in 1998. The Mattole forest defenders have asked the county board of supervisors to place neutral observers, trained by the ACLU, in the woods to docuemtn these incidents. It was hoped that the presence of these observers would de-escalate the tense situation in the woods. The board of supervisors denied this request, citing "liabilty issues" for the county. Please call the Humboldt County Supervisors and ask them to place neutral observers in the Mattole NOW! Call 707-476-2384 Call the Humboldt County Sheriff and then tell them you want to protect the rights of ALL citizens, not just the right of big timber! Call District Attorney Terry Farmer and tell him you want him to concentrate on violent crimes and making Humboldt
County safe. Ask him to drop charges against Mattole Activists, or at least lower charges to infractions. Call 707-445-7411 or 1-800-962-8261 |
The Gypsy Chain |
Opening August 2-September 1 |
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Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm |
| Tickets are $10/seniors/acot and $12 general |
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Thursdays August 9, 16, 23 and 30 are "pay what you wish". |
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Tickets can be purchased at the door and reserved by calling 512-693-8083 |
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Directions:
The Center for Mexican American Cultural Arts is located at 600 River Street, just south of Cesar Chavez, approximately 1 block west of I-35. If coming from the south, exit I-35 at Holly street, and make a left at
Holly. If coming from the north, exit I-35 at Cesar Chavez, go through the light, and make a right on River St., which is the same as Holly. The theatre is on the right, just past the traffic circle. If you need
more directions, please call 693-8083. |
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A percentage of the Proceeds of "The Gypsy Chain" will be donated to the Trees Foundation for the Gypsy Legal Fund. |
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June 16, 2001 |
Benefit at Antone's: |
| World renown activist and environmental spokesperson Julia "Butterfly" Hill, along with Austin musicians...Patrice Pike, Jeff Klein and Space Truck, will join the award winning dirigo group on Sat. June16th from 6p-9p for a benefit concert a Antone's advanced tickets are available by calling the 693-8083 or $20 at the door the night of the show. There will be a book signing at the concert of Julia's book "The Legacy of Luna" |
| Interested parties are welcome to join us for a VIP Meet and Greet Dinner with Julia at $100 a ticket, which may be obtained by calling the dirigo group at (512) 693-8083, or email [email protected]. Antone's is open to all ages. |
| There will also be a silent auction at the benefit. Items include, Horseback riding lessons, massage, and music... |
May 20, 2001- Event Review |
| Something unusual happened on Sunday evening May 20, 2001. I have spent the better part of twelve years involved in the theatre scene here in Austin, Texas, but I don't believe I have ever seen a theatre company use one of Austin's best resources for fundraising: Live Music. 5 different music acts from Austin performed in a vivacious concert at Room 710 on Red River benefiting the dirigo group's production of an original work called "The Gypsy Chain" which will run from August 2 to September 2 at the Mexican-American Cultural Arts Center. The night included an eclectic mix of fun, upbeat live music marked with impressive musicianship that was hosted by Sarah Chain, the sister of David "Gypsy" Chain. |
| The night was kicked off by Banjo Red and The Conjurers who created a mix of folk, bluegrass, and Renaissance madrigals. They started with only a handful of people in the audience including David Chain's mother, Cindy Allsbrooks; however, by the end of their set the space reached standing room only. We were entranced by their haunting melodic pieces that seemed very familiar, but at the same time we were introduced to new interpretations almost completely personal. It almost sounded like they actually lived in the age that some of the pieces were originally set. I especially admired Banjo Red's beard...there's a reason why he's called Banjo Red. |
| Libby Kirkpatrick followed next with an acoustic guitar and a microphone. Her pleas for the audience to listen to some of her more deeply felt songs were well met. Libby Kirkpatrick's impassioned voice lifted the spirits of the room, and at times she held our breath with a ballad or impressed us with a grungy rock tune. I had to get a beer. She sang like Austin; so, I ordered a Shiner Bock. |
| Following Ms. Kirkpatrick was the pop/rock band Something Johnson. This quartet got the place hopping with their rock sensibilities and their pop lyrics. We were even treated to an old-time revival gospel, rock-style of course. Unfortunately, my wife loved them so much that she decided to dance which means that I had to join her for at least one number. This fat guy with cigarette in mouth bounced around the makeshift dance floor with his wife until he couldn't breathe anymore. As I sat on my stool sweating and hyperventilating, Something Johnson tirelessly played their set with more energy than even my effervescent wife could muster. That's next to impossible. |
| Due to my wife's work schedule, I had to leave after Something Johnson's set; therefore, I asked around about Pirate Jane and the headlining act, Playdoh Squad. As told to me, Pirate Jane was similar to type of music one would see at a Lilith Fair concert. One woman told me that they reminded her of Sarah MacLachlan. That would have been cool: only slow dancing if I was forced. On the other end of the scale, it was reported to me that Playdoh Squad was a punk band. "They were a lotta fun!" That's all I got...so shoot me, I didn't request this gig. |
| Through hardcore research and ceaseless inquiries, I found out that some cash was made that night for the dirigo group's production which commemorates the life of slain environmental activist David Chain. The production will need a lot more support, however, which is why there is another benefit on the way, June 16 featuring famed activist Julia Butterfly. I entreat you to visit the website, www.thegypsychain.com , and see what you can do to help support live theatre in Austin. |
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-Weldon Phillips
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Except where noted, entire content © 2001 - Fresch Designs and the dirigo group
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