Torture, Peace is Patriotic and a July 4th Weekend of Music

[annm4peace]

Torture, Peace is Patriotic and a July 4th Weekend of Music

The Dear Peacemakers,

Twin Cities Peace Campaign-Focus on Iraq would like to invite you to
join us at two bridge vigils and a July 4 weekend of music.

1. Commemorate the Victims of Torture

June has been designated by many peace activists internationally as
Torture Awareness Month and June 26 has been designated as the
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Locally, the Twin Cities Peace Campaign-Focus on Iraq is sponsoring a
special vigil focused on Torture on the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue
bridge spanning the Mississippi on June 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm, the eve
of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Some vigilers will be wearing orange jumpsuits and everyone is
encouraged to carry a sign opposing the use of torture. Members of
faith communities are encouraged to bring their banners if they have
one.

2. July 2nd Bridge Vigil will focus on Peace is Patriotic

Last year July 4 fell on a Wednesday and more than a hundred and
fifty people came to the bridge vigil to honor the fact that Peace is
Patriotic. It is long past time to celebrate those who work for a
world at peace where all children are afforded the basic necessities
of life - clean air and water, good health care, sufficient food and
a secure environment.

3. July 4th Weekend of Music

Tom Neilson, the Bard Insurgent:
"Celebrating the Struggle for Justice and Peace"
Saturday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.
St. Joan of Arc Church,
4537 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis.

A classical vocal soloist since childhood, Tom now has ten folk
recordings. He has opened for Dennis Kucinich, Amy Goodman, Ralph
Nader, Cesar Chavez, and played at the Martin Luther King Center in
Havana, Cuba. He has also played at New York City's Town Hall,
Washington National Cathedral, Boston's Symphony Hall and the New
England Conservatory of Music with tenor solos on two classical
albums. Folksinger, songwriter, activist, historian, and educator,
Tom provides a voice for all who believe in the power of music to
effect change. His award-winning songs of humor, compassion and
political affairs have been performed in 19 countries on 5
continents. His lyrics are celebrated for their sophistication,
political astuteness, and wit. At the Kerrville Folk Festival, he was
referred to as the "Jon Stewart of folk music." With long standing
involvements with groups working for peace and justice, you will hear
his music at the gates of military bases, nuclear plants, on union
lines, and to free political prisoners such as Leonard Peltier and
Mumia Abu-Jamal. Suggested Donation: $12.00. FFI: Visit
<www.tomneilsonmusi c.com>.

Susan Cowsill, Singer/Songwriter
Sunday, July 6, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Minnesota Music Café,
499 Payne Avenue, St. Paul.

The Susan Cowsill Band is fresh off great reviews from the main Acura
Stage at The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Cowsill will
make a special appearance in St. Paul, MN on July 6 in support of a
Women Against Military Madness (WAMM). Part of WAMM's mission is to
dismantle systems of militarism and global oppression. Veteran rock
critic John Swenson had this to say about Susan Cowsill's performance
at Jazz Fest--"Though she's a veteran of the New Orleans music scene
at this point Cowsill still exudes the little girl charm that dates
back to the days when she was the little sister in her family band,
the hit-making '60s pop group the Cowsills. But Cowsill's voice is
now a fully mature instrument. She delivers the knowing sorrow of
heartbreak ballads like "The Rain Song" with the same skill as the
angry payback she dishes on "Talkin'" and the whimsical joy she
brings to her old family's hit "The Rain, the Park and Other Things."
But on this opening day of Jazzfest Cowsill's most powerful moment
came with her dramatic reading of "Crescent City Snow," her post-
Katrina composition that is fast becoming an anthem for returning New
Orleanians." Suggested Donation: $20.00. FFI: Visit
www.susancowsill. com

I hope you can join us for one or more of these events.

Peace in the struggle,

[annm4peace]

1. Cheaper to get tickets early

They expect to sell out... Heal your progressive soul with this music. The next 6 months are not going to be easy.. so take care of yourselves.

There are less then 75 days till RNC.