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On August 16, the Broadway Central Cafe hosted a peace benefit. The performers included: a union acapella choir, a “psychedelic” ensemble
whose opening song had the singer claiming to be a papaya, and a group called “Hemophiliac Rodeo Clown”.
I know how it sounds, but it was really one of the best evenings I’ve had in
a long time. The fact that Paul, the vocalist for “Hemophilac Rodeo Clown,” bought me lots of beer probably helped, though.
Seriously, although many of the performers were
eccentric, it somehow worked well. Not only were the songs witty and intelligent, but the enthusiasm of performers and audience alike was contagious.
The Central New Jersey
Coalition for Peace and Justice ran the event, and it seemed like most people in the room were either members or supporters of the group. Many of the songs were either anti-war or anti-Bush,
drawing frequent cheers and applause.
Broadway Central owner Wayne Turback showed his appreciation by ringing bells behind the bar during songs he liked. By the sound of it, Turback loved all of the performers.
The
evening started out with acoustic performers like Catherine Moon, Tom Neilson and the ever-present Joe Canzano. After Canzano, the musicians became more eclectic. There were the Solidarity
Singers, the acapella group mentioned earlier. All singers are also members of the New Jersey Industrial Union Council. Their songs were funny, often anti-capitalist ripoffs of other songs.
My favorite was their version of “It’s a Small World” about Disney’s labor practices.
“Hemophiliac Rodeo Clown” was the only group
that was not overtly anti-war or -government. All I can say is, this is a twisted group of guys. Their songs were often dirty, and always hilarious.
The funniest moment, though,
was unintentional. The final act was Movement in Motion, a hip-hop duo from New York City. When they shouted the lyric, “Fu## the government!,” I couldn’t help but laugh as the middle-aged
suburbanites in the audience yelled it right back at them.
It was admirable that they had such radical fervor, though, even if it’s something I couldn’t imagine my own parents
doing. Everyone’s enthusiasm that night was impressive. Anyone who can pierce through my cynicism and apathy must be doing something right.
-Kim Predham
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