On December 21, 2012, I was privileged to take part in the Make Music New York “Harmonaboard Parade”, a pick-up group of 25 jazz musicians led by renowned jazz pianist and melodica player Jonathan Batiste parading down Harlem’s 125th Street playing melodicas (also known as “harmonaboards”) and stopping in at neighborhood landmarks. I am at the far right of the photo, provided courtesy of Hohner Music.
As in previous years, The Filthy Rotten System (a Catholic Worker band) provided musical support for a moving all day Ash Wednesday vigil that traveled to detention centers in New Jersey protesting our government’s oppression of immigrants. The day ended at the Elizabeth Detention Center, which is owned and operated by Corrections Corporation of America, a key member of the Prison Industrial Complex. Various New Jersey jails that we demonstrated in front of also make big bucks as contractors to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A coalition of community and religious groups led by Irate & First Friends sponsored the event. (Photo credit – Irate & First Friends)
Waiting to perform at Saturday evening round robin. Photo by Ellen Weinstat Had a great time (with Elena) at the People’s Music Network (the progressive protest musicians’, singers’, and songwriters’ association) winter gathering in Springfield, MA over the weekend. Getting together with so many committed and talented activists is a real treat. The workshops that I attended led by David Rovics and Steve Suffet were most enjoyable and instructive. I was privileged to lead a workshop on “Performing Music for People Who Have Lost Their Homes”, based on my experiences at numerous holiday dinners and parties in NYC and entertaining folks in Super Storm Sandy shelters. Also worked the mixing board for part of the round robin.
Spirited rally at Walmart in Secaucus, New Jersey on Black Friday with Occupy Guitarmy, the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, 99 Picket Lines, unions, and many others. Morgan Jenness led the singing of my new song “Walmart Farewell” (lyrics below). Thanks to Stacy Lanyon for the photo.
(Chorus)
And we’re sad to say the Walmart way
Is poor health benefits, a tough work day.
When they’re around, they drive all wages down,
And push mom and pop shops out of town.
Part time workers’ pay is low,
Can’t support their families on hours they get.
They survive on a Walmart wage using
Medicaid and food stamps from the safety net. (Chorus)
Walmart workers are sped up,
With their schedules set at the boss’s whim.
Health and safety are ignored
To increase the profits coming in. (Chorus)
Union busting is disgusting,
And Walmart does it every day.
Intimidation and termination
Are illegal but they do it anyway. (Chorus)
Racism rears its ugly head
In Walmart stores from coast to coast.
They settle suits as best they can,
‘Cause if they went to trial they would be toast. (Chorus)
Women get a lousy deal.
Their pay and promotions lag behind.
Walmart culture favors men.
In most corporate suites that’s who you’ll find. (Chorus)
Global warming keeps on growing
And causes climate change and disaster.
Giant Walmart’s business model
Produces global warming faster. (Chorus)
Walmart’s size puts it in control
Of suppliers from Haiti to Pakistan.
Screwing workers there raises Walmart’s profits.
It’s a part of their business plan. (Chorus)
