January 6th, 2001
The Reverb, 651 Queen Street West, Toronto
The Anti-Racist Action’s annual Urban Culture Jam was held last weekend amidst the cries of OI! OI! OI! And a selection of some of the finest Ska and Punk bands in the city! This event that happens every year to promote awareness on racial and social issues pertaining to all Canadians featured artists such as General Rudie, King Sized Braces, SpineCracker and Fifth District with head liners King Apparatus.
The Anti-Racist Action group which came together in September of 1992 have garnered much opposition and support for their work to stamp out racism and show their defiance towards white supremacy and facism through work in schools, neighbourhoods, on the streets and concert benefits like this. The event was rammed to the rafters with people from all walks of life there to support the cause and listen to some great music!
All the bands put on a fantastic performance and moved the foundations of the building! SpineCracker’s performance garnered rave reviews from all corners of the building and King Apparatus made their comeback to Toronto’s music scene with style and energy. They were well missed! My only personal suggestion is at some point the owners of The Reverb Install a better working air conditioner, cos’ man, it got hot in there!
And the fun did not stop in The Reverb either, Downstairs in Holy Joe’s CKLN’s radio DJ’s Gerald Belanger, KLC & Tim, Joe Rizia and Trini and Villa Starlight spun, some tunes for the cause with the likes of DJ’s Si Vu Play, sudeep k, Chocolate and Double Cross in The Katherdral. As you can see, there was definitely something for everyone that night and the message of unity and oneness for all people was shown in the crowds enthusiasm, behaviour and overall appreciation for the night and music provided for them.
Come out next year to support the cause, support the artists and more importantly, to support those who are not, for whatever reason, in a position to speak out for themselves.
Brit Girl gives: Five Union Jacks out of Five! (And that is a first time for me!)
Check out the Anti-Racist Action (ARA) web site at:
www.web.net/~ara for further information on this great organization!