¡Alto Arizona!

Manu Chao Stands in Solidarity with Sheriff Joe Arpaio Protesters (Video)

By Anthony Sandoval Wed., Sep. 21 2011 at 8:15 AM | Source: Phoenix New Times Blogs

It was a familiar sight in front of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's downtown office yesterday afternoon. Another assembly of a dozen protesters or so had gathered and members of the media were waiting in tow.

Word eventually reached Joe that some multilingual, slightly-famous international recording artist was on his way to play some music or something. "Is he gonna sing my favorite song 'My Way,'" Arpaio asks.

Not quite Joe. This "singer-guy" happens to be Manu Chao and um, he's kind of a big deal.

Protesting for Diversity: Manu Chao in Arizona

By Maria Hinojosa | October 7, 2011 | Sourc: NPR: Latino USA

It’s rare to find a popular musician these days who embraces a controversial political message, but that’s precisely what Manu Chao has done in his career. Originally from France, but his music transcends borders. Manu Chao’s songs speak of poverty and world politics, often in multiple languages – and his stardom has brought attention to many issues around the world.

Outernational to release free EP "Todos Somos Ilegales"

"We all live in the same house. If any one of us is illegal, then we all are illegal. There is no illegal human being. Say it over and over again." - Congressman John Lewis - YouTube (24 March 2011)

NYC-based band Outernational is releasing "Todos Somos Ilegales", a free EP dedicated to the US-Mexico border and immigrant rights worldwide.

Working with Tom Morello, Uproot Andy, Chad Smith and Ceci Bastida, the project is being funded completely through donations via the path-breaking website Kickstarter.  Longtime activists and troubadours, Outernational performed at the Alto Arizona protests in May 2010 and have caused storms around issues of immigration and US empire in their controversial live performances with inspiring songs such as "Que Queremos", "Sir No Sir", and "Fighting Song".

With only 10 days left to receive funding, all who care about a new future and a revolutionary youth culture need to join up and support this important new band.

Pledge a donation today to ensure this music can be released:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/outernational/outernationals-debut-album-and-a-free-new-ep

Hear sample song, Deportees here:

 

Steve Earle drops Tucson show, cites SB1070 boycott

Cathalena E. Burch, Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Thursday, April 14, 2011 5:27 pm

Tickets were supposed to go on sale Friday for Steve Earle's first Tucson show in two years, but on Wednesday night the renown singer-songwriter/activist "postponed" his July 4 appearance.

Earle cited the nearly year-old Sound Strike artist boycott for pulling out of the show.

In a letter posted on the Rialto's website, Earle said he "was under the mistaken impression that the boycott had been called off" after a Federal court struck down many of the provisions of Arizona's controversial anti-immigration law SB 1070. The law, which would give local police broader powers to identify illegal immigrants, is still wending its way through the federal court appeals process.

But Earle said he was only postponing his Tucson show until he could research the "boycott and its effects because as someone who supports the immigrants rights movement I am not convinced that it is useful to continue to stay away from progressive fans in the state."

Check out the full story in tomorrow's Arizona Daily Star.

(Source: Arizona Daily Star)

Bono (U2) Speaks about Irish in America (from Rattle & Hum Concert, 1988)

 

Bono, singer for U2, talks about the Irish diaspora in the U.S. and the reasons why they came here. From a live concert recording called "Rattle & Hum."

Music Video: Gil Scott-Heron: Alien (hold on to your dream) LIVE

 

Gil Scott-Heron's dedication to migrant's plight in the U.S. (Circa 1980)

Lyrics:

Midnight near the border trying to cross the Rio Grande
Runnin' with coyotes to where the streets are paved with gold
You're diving underwater when you hear the helicopters
Knowing it's all been less than worthless if you run into patrols
Hiding in the shadows, so scared you want to scream
But you dare not make a sound if you want to hold on to your dreams

Hold on. Though it may not be a lot, you got to
Hold on. Cause you know it's all you got
No matter the consequences or the fear that grips your senses
You have got to hold on to your dreams.

The Sound Strike and Puente Celebrate Families on International Migrants Day

In Arizona we’ve deeply encouraged by the actions of solidarity we've seen come from throughout the nation. We’ve seen it all – from people who took leave from their jobs to help us organize, to volunteers that help care for kids, to people from the community who cook delicious meals for us, to people who house visitors and donors near and far. We know you understand the need for us to come together in order to combat the anti-migrant sentiment n Arizona.

And so we are excited to that in only a few days the Puente Movement and our dear friends from The Sound Strike will be hosting a large Community Posada in central Phoenix.

At this community event we will distribute over 40 tons of food to 5,000 families in Arizona. This is incredibly important as many of us are facing a various challenges. - from the economic recession that is affecting many throughout the world to the added pressure of senseless attacks on our communities. 

In addition to the terrible effect of the economy on migratory families, there are children in Arizona who are separated from their parents due to local and federal policies every single day. Children are forced to live with relatives, neighbors and are even turned over to the Foster Care system. As a community we believe that this is not right. No child should ever have to live in fear that their parent will be taken away from them. No child should ever experience this. Yet it continues to happen day after day.

With the help of The Sound Strike, NDLON, Presente.org, the Committees for the Defense of the Barrio (CDBs) and countless business, and selfless individuals we’ll also be hosting a large Toy Giveaway for Arizona’s children. We will do this to provide a bit of  joy for the kids and to highlight the fact that at the end of the day there are children who are most affected by the anti-migrant laws.

The Community Posada which is aimed at empowerming our communities  will  take place on December 18^th - International Migrants Day. International Migrant Day was established in 2000 by the United Nations. It was established in order to raise awareness about the increasing numbers of migrants due to the disastrous effects of globalization. Millions of people are displaced each year and forced to migrate in order to help their families.

Thanks to all who’ve participated and to those who haven’t and would still like to please text “ARIZONA” to 50555 to donate $5 or donate online: http://bit.ly/donateaz

MISTACHUCK - Tear Down That Wall

CHUCK D - Tear Down That Wall

Video By Eclectic Method
http://eclecticmethod.net

Shot By David CDOC Snyder for Command Films

Manu Chao in Support of Alto Arizona!

Ex Mano-Negra front man, Troubador, poet and human rights advocate, Manu Chao, sends a message to the migrant communities in Arizona who are suffering under oppressive anti-immigrant laws such as SB 1070, HB 2281 and now the attempt to revoke birthright citizenship. Alto Arizona! ¡Proxima Estación, Esperanza!

Sound Strike Press Conference (Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Conor Oberst) Anti-#SB1070

Sound Strike Press Conference (Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Conor Oberst) from Shaun Kadlec on Vimeo.

Two Arizona Fans Move Lady Gaga to Speak Out Against #SB1070

Pop Star says Arizona is in a "state of emergency" calls on fans to actively protest discrimination.

08.02.2010 – Two Arizona Fans Move Lady Gaga to Speak Out Against SB 1070

Pop Star says Arizona is in a "state of emergency," calls on fans to actively protest discrimination.

Phoenix, AZ. 7/31/2010.

One week before the pop phenom, Lady Gaga, was scheduled to perform a concert in Phoenix, AZ, two young gay migrant rights organizers posted letters to the star on Facebook asking her to meet with them.

Victor Medina and Amelec Diaz wanted Lady Gaga to understand the humanitarian crisis in Maricopa County and its particular affect on Latino and migrant members of the LGBTQ community. (Letters can be found at http://bit.ly/gagaletters)

The letters sparked growing support and launched on-line petitions by LGBTQ rights groups like GetEqual.org that supported the youth’s request for a meeting so that she could be a champion of migrant rights issues in Arizona as she has stood up for the gay community elsewhere.

Amelec Diaz is an undocumented student who experienced his own home being raid by immigration enforcement. Victor Medina explained in his letter, “The situation in Arizona has come to a boiling point. Our people are being attacked, targeted by the color of our skin, and how we speak by certain recent laws passed.”

'Rage' Against Arizona Law #SB1070 (Video)

Rap metal giants Rage Against the Machine headlined a concert benefiting organizations fighting SB 1070.

Rage Against the Machine Rocks Hollywood Palladium in Anti-#SB1070 Concert

By Stephen Lemons, Sat., Jul. 24 2010 @ 2:01PM

De la Rocha onstage with the Puente crew

Of all the high points in Rage Against the Machine's anti-SB 1070 concert at the Hollywood Palladium Friday night, the one that made it worth the six hour trek from Phoenix to Los Angeles for me was when Rage front man Zack de la Rocha dedicated the incendiary anthem "Killing in the Name" to "Sheriff Joe Arpaio and all of his fucking violent antics."

De la Rocha couldn't have picked a better song for Arpaio, especially with lyrics like, "Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses," and, "You justify those that died by wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites."

The mention of Arpaio came at the end of the encore for the set, and de la Rocha seemed to take particular relish in the lyrics after the invocation of Arpaio's name. At times, here and throughout the concert, the singer jumped up and down with such ferocity that it looked like he was trying to stomp Arpaio and/or SB 1070 into oblivion.

It was hardly the only mention of Sand Land politics. Though the weather outside was cool, almost chilly, it was the heat and oppression of Arizona that dominated the Palladium's interior.

TABOO from "Black Eyed Peas:" new song 'One Heart, One Beat' opposing #SB1070

Music video for Taboo's new song 'One Heart, One Beat' opposing Arizona's Bill 1070 against illegal immigration. In the song you will hear Dolores Huerta, Eva Longoria, Oscar De La Hoya, Shakira & Juanes also in opposition to the bill. Produced & Directed by D Zapa Media, LLC. Contact 323-388-7273 or dzapamedia@yahoo.com

Rage Against Machine energize fans at gig to protest #Arizona immigration Law #SB1070

By Erik Pedersen, Reuters

LOS ANGELES – Hordes of police cruisers circled the Hollywood Palladium on Friday as Rage Against the Machine played its first hometown show in a decade to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.

The men in blue were quite aware of the potential for disobedience civil or otherwise. But the rare chance to see one of Los Angeles’ greatest bands, especially in its natural habitat, must have outweighed any urge to stir things up.

Not that things weren’t incendiary inside the renovated old hall as the politically charged quartet took the stage: At the first beats of the opening Testify, mosh pits kicked up instantly, like sprinters leaving the blocks after the starting gun. And it was on.
Singer Zack de la Rocha’s spoken-spat vitriol provoked raised fists and voices. Tom Morello’s technically precise, Zeppelin-like riffs careened around the room. And the Palladium floor was like a single pulsating organism, with people not just jumping up and down but leaping.

But it wasn’t a flashpoint; it was a communal embrace. It was a night of protest rock ‘n’ roll in a pure form: angry, relevant lyrics over simple guitar-bass-drum tracks. And it was outstanding.

PRESS RELEASE: RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE AND CONOR OBERST TO PLAY CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING #SB1070

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Contact:
Marco Amador, The Sound Strike
press@thesoundstrike.net | www.thesoundstrike.net

SOUNDSTRIKE ARTISTS RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND TO PLAY HISTORIC CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING SB 1070

LOS ANGELES, CA: In their first concert in their hometown of Los Angeles in 10 years, Rage Against the Machine will take the stage at the Hollywood Palladium on July 23rd, 2010 to support organizations combating SB 1070, law set to go into effect July 29th. Projected proceeds from the concert along with donations raised by The Sound Strike Fund are expected to exceed over $300,000. This will provide much needed resources to community organizations, student groups, legal defense funds and assist activists targeting key voting districts for voter registration. These two organizations need immediate assistance to fight SB1070 on the ground: Puente, Arizona, and The Florence Project.

Puente, Arizona has been recognized as an organization that has stood on the frontlines in the struggle for civil and human rights in Arizona for years. Puente Arizona has been instrumental in community outreach that has produced the largest public mobilizations against SB 1070. Known for their tireless community organizing, Puente Arizona works directly with communities who will be most affected by SB 1070.

The Florence Project provides and coordinates free legal services, and related social services to the men, women, and unaccompanied children detained in Arizona for immigration removal proceedings. The Florence Project strives to ensure that detained individuals have access to council, understand they’re rights under immigration law, and are treated fairly and humanely by our judicial system.

The concert is part of a week of national actions culminating in the July 29th day of noncompliance in resistance to the law which is set to be enacted that same day. For more information about the week of national action go to www.altoarizona.com.

For more information about upcoming concert events to help defend immigrant rights go to www.thesoundstrike.net.

Fifth Graders from PS98M in NYC performing 'Immigration Song - La Tierra de la Libertad'

scotlynn2224 | June 22, 2010 | 1:41

Fifth Graders from PS98M in NYC performing a song they wrote about Arizona's immigration law SB1070. This was a class of 10-11 year olds who just started the Little Kids Rock program 2 months ago. They call themselves "Treasure the Curious Mind" and the song is called "Immigration Song: La Tierra de la Libertad"

(via Youtube.com)

Kanye West Urges Artists To #Boycott #Arizona (against #SB1070)

KANYE WEST has urged his fellow musicians to boycott Arizona over the U.S. state's controversial new immigration legislation - calling on artists to follow in the footsteps of civil rights icon ROSA PARKS.

Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack De La Rocha is leading a campaign against Arizona's recently passed law, which makes failure to carry immigration documents a crime.

Cypress Hill, Juanes, Massive Attack, Jack Black, filmmaker Michael Moore and De La Rocha's bandmates have also joined the campaign.

And West is backing the action, insisting performers should not play any shows in the state as a mark of protest - comparing it to civil rights activists who boycotted buses in Alabama after African-American Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in 1955.

The Stronger hitmaker says, "When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, they arrested her. As a result, people got together and said, 'We are not going to ride the bus until they change the law.' It was this courageous action that sparked the Montgomery bus boycott.

"What if we got together, signed a collective letter saying, 'We're not going to ride the bus', saying 'We are not going to comply. We are not going to play in Arizona. We are going to boycott Arizona?!'"

(via Contactmusic.com)

Toki Wright - By the Time I Get to #Arizona 2010 (#SB1070)

TheRealRhymesayers — May 13, 2010 — Download "By the Time I Get to Arizona 2010" :: http://is.gd/c8NXA

Dear Friends, Family, and Allies,

On Friday, April 23rd 2010 at approximately 1:30pm Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona signed into law the most aggressive bill against undocumented residents in the United States. Under Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070) local police departments have been given the authority to identify, detain, and deport anyone they deem to be illegally in the US based solely on their suspicion. Yet we ask, "what does illegal look like?"

We the people believe that this is not only a decision deeply rooted in racism, but also a political plot to cause disruption between the State and Federal government at the expense of hard working families. The same stigma that has plagued people of color in unfair hiring and housing practices, education, police profiling and more has now been passed into so-called "law." Law is nothing but an opinion reinforced by intimidation. Also, how can you call someone else illegal when you live on stolen land?

We won't take this sitting down. Resist. Fight.

In Solidarity,

Toki Wright
Rhymesayers/Soultools

Hall & Oates Cancel Concert in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Daryl Hall and John Oates announced today that they are canceling a July 2 concert in Phoenix because of Arizona’s new immigration law. Their manager, Jonathan Wolfson, told The Associated Press from Los Angeles that the rock duo are taking a stand and will not play after an Arizona Diamondbacks home game at Chase Field. "I can emphatically confirm that Daryl Hall and John Oates are not playing Phoenix, Arizona, on July 2 because of their personal stance against the immigration law," Wolfson said.

Los Lobos join #Arizona boycott, cancel gig (#SB1070)

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: June 5, 2010 - 12:13 PM

A band that breaks down American musical barriers like no one else, Los Lobos are putting up a front against Arizona's controversial new SB 1070 bill targeting illegal immigration. The East L.A. vets (and local favorites) have just canceled their June 10 gig at the Talking Stick Resort near Scottsdale, a casino show that probably marks a significant financial loss for them. Here's what the band had to say in a statement:

"We support the boycott of Arizona. The new law will inevitably lead to unfair racial profiling and possible abuse of people who just happen to look Latino. As a result, in good conscience, we could not see ourselves performing in Arizona. We regret the inconvenience this may have caused ... Talking Stick Resort and our fans, but we feel strongly that it is the right thing to do."

This might give some of you extra reason to support Los Lobos when they return July 14-15 to the Minnesota Zoo, but hopefully it won't prompt some of you to skip an always-stellar rock show. It's a good thing the guys aren't animal activists like Chrissie Hynde (although they have expressed their fondness for the Mexican wolves there).

Rap acts Cypress Hill and Pitbull have already canceled Arizona gigs, and Rage Against the Machine's frontman is organizing a group of musicians called the Sound Strike against SB 1070 that reportedly has Kanye West, Sonic Youth, Joe Satriani, Tenacious D, and more in its ranks.

(via StarTribune.com)

¡Alto Arizona! AB Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Allstarz Speak Out

AB Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Allstarz speak out about Arizona's new Senate Bill 1070. Sign the petition at altoarizona.com and come to the National Day of Action in Phoenix, AZ on May 29, 2010.

¡Alto Arizona! AB Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Allstarz Speak Out from NDLON on Vimeo.

Highest Grossing female Mexican Regional Tour Artist, Jenni Rivera, Lends Voice to Defend the People of #Arizona

For Immediate Release  // Excuse Cross Postings // Please Forward

Contact: 
Mario Larios, 011 (5255) 55 75 5208  mario_larios@hotmail.com
Sarahi Uribe, NDLON.  202.285.9673

Date: 
May 27, 2010

 

Highest Grossing female Mexican Regional Tour Artist, Jenni Rivera, Lends Voice to Defend the People of Arizona
Joins International Movement for Human Rights Against SB 1070

 
(Phoenix, AZ) La Gran Señora, Jenni Rivera, joins the movement against SB 1070 with a live concert at the end of Saturday’s march from Indian Steele Park to the State Capitol.
 
The legendary winner of “Best Artist of the Year” in 2009 from Premios de la Radio and leader of the Regional Mexican genre, Jenni Rivera, answers the call of the people of Arizona for a leader and a voice to represent their struggles. While other artists have contributed their names, Jenni has offered to present herself on May 29, 2010, at the Capitol stage at the culmination of the march that will bring thousands of people together to join in Jenni Rivera’s plea to end this vicious attack on the immigrant and Latino community as whole.
 
As the daughter of immigrants herself and a proud mother of five, Rivera takes her role as a Mexican American artist seriously. She performs to be the voice of her people, to assert dignity in the face of this insulting law. Jenni Rivera has connected with fans through her own struggles and is an icon of perseverance and hope.

¡#AltoArizona! La Maldita Vecindad speaks out about Arizona's new #SB1070 in D.F.

La Maldita Vecindad speaks out about Arizona's new Senate Bill 1070 in Cuidad de Mexico. Sign the petition at altoarizona.com and come to the National Day of Action in Phoenix, AZ on May 29, 2010.

¡Alto Arizona! La Maldita Vecindad from Barni Qaasim on Vimeo.

STOP #SB1070 AND THE CRIMINALIZATION OF #IMMIGRANTS. SUPPORT THE PEACEFUL RESISTANCE AGAINST HATE IN #ARIZONA. BUY THE MOST RECENT DAY LABORER BAND ALBUM!

Wednesday, May 26

Dear Friends and Allies,

In an effort to raise funds for the organizing and litigation effort in Arizona against SB 1070, Los Jornaleros del Norte, the people's band, have released a 10-track CD titled, "Que No Pare la Lucha," their third album release. With their new album, Los Jornaleros again put music to life, work, struggle and hope.

The release of their album could not be more timely. With the upcoming National Day of Action on May 29th in Phoenix, AZ, Los Jornaleros will once again lend their talents and passion for music and social justice to the march and rally, uniting the immigrant community and their allies under a common goal: Peace, Dignity and Justice for All.

Because the organizing efforts do require lots of resources, personnel, and legal fees, Los Jornaleros have decided to donate all of the proceeds of their album to the AltoArizona campaign. We are encouraging your support to this effort by going to the AltoArizona music site, purchasing the album (only $10, or more, if you wish) and sharing the link with family and friends on your social networks.

AltoArizona has made it as easy as possible to preview the album, purchase and share links to the music online. The title track, Que No Pare la Lucha, is available for free download.