Just Say "No" to the WTO: The Sugar Beets, New Mexican Revolution, This Is What Democracy Looks Like

The Battle in Seattle Ten Year Anniversary

by Wes Shirley

Nearing the ten year anniversary of N30 (November 30th), WOW Hall will host a celebration of the victories of social justice and labor advocates on that historic day in Seattle. It was a day when tens of thousands of environmental, labor and social justice activists gathered, creating a never before seen coalition that converged on Seattle to shut down the World Trade Organization's (WTO) ministerial meeting. Because of the dedication of so many activists, global trade policies came to the fore, no longer negotiated by powerful interests away from public view.

To celebrate, groups including Oregon Fair Trade Coalition, Lane County Central Labor Council, Community Alliance for Lane County, the Latin American Solidarity Committee and others are putting on a night of music, film and speakers on Saturday, November 21.

Beginning the night will be the documentary This is What Democracy Looks Like, a film that includes interviews with critics of global free trade, as well as scenes from the streets of Seattle as activists and police clashed. It captures in both mood and philosophy what brought so many people to Seattle in November 1999.

Following the film, local Eugene stalwarts and fan favorites, The Sugar Beets, will perform. The Sugar Beets have been playing music for going on twenty years, having established themselves as one of the most delightful live bands to come out of Eugene. The eight member Sugar Beets play danceable folk rock, bringing Celtic, blues, bluegrass and jam band influences together, creating a eclectic sound full of interesting textures and intricate harmonies.

Following the Beats, Portland's New Mexican Revolution will close the night. Formed in Portland in 2004, the New Mexican Revolution has toured the western US, and played throughout the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast. Combining Americana with the rhythms, melodies and instrumentation of Eastern European gypsy and klezmer music, they bring a blend of influences (and a veteran of the Battle in Seattle) to their high energy performances.

The New Mexican Revolution released their third album, Black Mesa Songs, earlier this year. Their second release, Theories of Sun and Rain, received praise in reviews from across the country. The Albuquerque Alibi wrote that, "the album has an unmistakable warmth and (as the record's title suggests) earthy appeal, while Tampa Bay Creative Loafing said, "The band expertly evokes wide-open prairies, drizzling gray skies and long rumbles in the pickup truck.

Tickets are $5-15 sliding scale at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Doors open at 6:30, with the film beginning at 6:45.

SHOWTIME: 6:45 PM, PRICE: Sliding Scale at the Door; $5-15 Requested. http://www.myspace.com/thesugarbeets http://www.newmexicanrevolution.com