ART for Your RIGHTS: August 28th at the El Rey Theater

Start:: August 28, 2010 7:30 pm
End:: August 28, 2010 11:55 pm

Venue:: El Rey Theater
Address: Google Map: 620 Central Avenue Southwest, Albuquerque, United States, 87102-3116

Fight injustice with art! ART for Your RIGHTS is an ACLU-NM benefit bash with hip-hop emcee Hakim Bellamy, live bands, free food, cash bar, spoken word performances and a silent art auction. We’re featuring a broad cross section of artists, artisans, musicians and performers who are donating their time and talent to help protect your rights, especially your right to free expression—no limits!

Save $5 by buying advance tickets today!

If you are an artist and are interested in donating art work, jewelry, services or catering to this event; or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please fill out the appropriate form, save the data and email to Valerie Torrez at vtorrez@aclu-nm.org.

Donation Form (Editable PDF) Sponsor Form (Editable PDF)

You may also print the form and mail it to:

ACLU of New Mexico
c/o Valerie Torrez
PO BOX 566
Albuquerque, NM 87103

Check out some of the great art donated so far!

Music Lineup:

Native Roots

Native Roots was formed in 1997 by musician John L. Williams (Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux) and lyricist/vocalist Emmett “Shkeme” Garcia (Santa Ana Pueblo) to reach out with a message of pride, unity, and respect among all nations, through the universal language of music. This dynamic and award winning combination has produced three CD’s that have propelled Native Roots into the Native American and Reggae music scene as the premier Native American Reggae band whose music is 100% Native American written, produced, and performed.

Native Roots contributes their solid reggae foundation to the influence it has had on Native American communities. Native Roots is a natural extension of growing up, living and loving reggae music. John Williams’ extensive musical background in working with different styles of music has allowed him to incorporate various elements into the music without compromising the essential reggae feel. In addition, “Shkeme’s” singing style reflects not only a variety of reggae styles, but also relects years of experience singing both traditional pueblo and pow wow music. The blending Native influences such as traditional drums, rattles, chants, language and flute, with a variety of reggae styles including ragamuffin, one drop, rockers, and dancehall, makes Native Roots music unique. Lyrical themes include the importance of traditional languages and culture, spirituality, respect for our elders, the sacredness of our youth, and love.

Zoology

In a land overrun by gangster rap and a mind state polluted with materialistic substance, Zoology was formed to advocate change. They are an underground movement spreading positive Hip Hop music to further the culture they represent. Consisting of long time members of the Albuquerque Hip Hop collective, Zoology formed together by chance and hasn’t looked back since. The band members include: Former Garbage Pail Kid and founder of Vinyl and Verses Hip Hop night-Flux 451, one half of Definition Rare and local battle hero-Wake Self, Producer/DJ and MPCist-Audiyo, Bassist and Producer-Jaime (Lil Skizzy), and Emcee/Producer/Drummer-Dahhm Life. Zoology is now working toward the completion of their first album, and performs countless shows even opening for several nationally recognized Hip Hop artists.

The 2BERS

In 1999 Luke Hale and Collin Troy (2bers) scraped together what cash they could, bought a sampler and a 4-track recorder, and got to work. Since then, the 2bers have become one of the most prominent Hip-Hop groups in New Mexico. Emotive and literate; the 2bers combine crunching breakbeats, gritty eloquence, and supple compositions to effuse a sound that lands somewhere between Atmosphere and Citizen Cope. Recognized as NM State’s Best Hip-Hop 2007, as well as the Weekly Alibi’s Best Hip-Hop 2008, the 2bers continue to expand with banging live shows and a chemistry that Marie Curie herself would want to study.

The Wychdokta Project

Where the funk, rock, jazz, hip hop and world beat meet; this project incorporates foot percussion (aka tap dance) into the overall percussion section, includes bass, guitar, drums all tied up in one funky package.

Hakim Bellamy

Hakim Bellamy is a two-time National Champion in the Poetry Slam scene. He was a member of the 2005 National Poetry Slam Champs Team Albuquerque. The following year he was a member of the 2006 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational Champs Team UNM. One Albuquerque City Championship (2005) and 3 consecutive University of New Mexico LOBOSLAM titles later, Hakim respects the blessing, but could care less about winning poetry slams, as opposed to cultivating creativity. Hence, Hakim is in the process of adding playwright and actor to his resume. A resume that already includes: freelance journalist, community organizer and social justice advocate.