This was a different kind of show. I liked it. Photo by Kat.
It was probably sometime in January when one day, my friend and Zakster fan Trouble Streeter pinged me to ask if I knew about an SL-based resistance movement. She'd learned about it from my fellow musician and friend Mimi Carpenter. And sure enough, when I took a lot at their web site, it was interesting to me. After all, I'm at least equally well known as a political commentator as I am a musician... and my liberal outlook is never hidden. It's something I'm proud of, frankly.
So when the folks who run that community asked if I'd be willing to do a show there at United Rhythms Aunty Fa Hall, I said yes immediately. And then when they told me a date they had in mind — with a show that was themed "Abolish ICE" — I was even more stoked... it was just a week before what I was sure would be come the largest day of protest in American history, the third event in the "No Kings" series.
Zak Unleashed
There's a reason that I don't have political discussion be the centerpiece of every show I do, and it's very simple... and probably not what you think it might be. As I said above, I am a proud liberal and supporter of both democracy and the Democratic Party in the USA. But I am also aware that political discourse can be alienating to some, and also that people who attend live music shows desperately need a break from the things that cause them stress.
Let me be clear: I do not care — not one bit — about people not coming to my shows or not listening to my music due to my political activism. That has absolutely nothing to do with it. They can all go fuck themselves. What it is about is my own responsibility as a performer, to provide some fun and enjoyment and relaxation. I feel it's an important service for the world.
But this show? One that was booked with my name next to the words "ABOLISH ICE" on the sign outside? With signs and information fully focused on resistance efforts? I figured that literally anyone coming to this show was going to be there specifically to hear exactly those things.
Themed Set List
I think everyone who knows me at all as a musician knows that I curate set lists that are at least somewhat unique to each show and venue I play. Often they are influenced by things in the news, things affecting society, and overall causes and issues that I support continuously. And sometime they are just cool songs that I want to show people. Not everything in life has to have a concrete meaning or purpose.
At this show, though, every single song I chose was there was a reason. If you know the songs in the set below, I probably don't need to explain those reasons on a song-by-song basis. But I will say that doing this show at Aunty Fa Hall was really great. I wouldn't want all of my shows to be in that format, but it sure felt good to go full-bore social activist while also doing some good tunes.
I was in full Antifa mode the whole hour. Photo by Kat.
It was great to be fully unleashed on the political front with a very receptive audience to hear what I had to say. Photo by Kat.
I got sent this from an audience member after the show. Great shot! After I figure out who took it, I'll revise this caption to give them credit.
There was no ambiguity regarding the outlook of the people who created Aunty Fa Hall. Photo by Kat.
Aunty Fa Hall set list...
For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield)
America (Simon & Garfunkel)
Either Way (Wilco)
All You Fascists (Woody Guthrie)
The Rainbow Connection (Kermit the Frog)
Sex Kills (Joni Mitchell)
Among the Leaves (Sun Kil Moon)
Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
Streets of Minneapolis (Bruce Springsteen)
It’s Good to be King (Tom Petty)
Redemption Song (Bob Marley)
First, thanks to everyone who came out to this really cool show, and while I didn't put out a tip jar (asking people to donate to various causes instead), I still want to thank those who supported the show anyway!
Guru Witte, theblueyedfox Resident, Mimi Carpente, and the great management/staff at Aunty Fa Hall!
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