Second hour of a 2-part visit with war tax resistance (WTR) activists. Each of the 4 people has changed their life to conscientiously refuse to pay for bullets, guns, bombs, and war, and they've worked to call attention to the fact that about half of every income tax dollar goes to the military. Around April 15th American's dollars are conscripted through taxation, and these 4 guests have said 'no'.
The music of Ben Bedford talks on on a trip through a wider lens to life, not only that of humans, but of the vibrant world around us, with all our relations. While Ben's words dance lyrically through images and poetry, his tunes dance magically through guitar strings and vibrations. While Ben has 6 albums to-date, all music featured here is from his latest, Valley of the Stars, because Ben's soul is so closely and clearly illuminated from his latest songs. Ben Bedford's home is Springfield, Illinois.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Atheist, Methodist, Earth-based Spirituality, Non-affiliated
A 2-part visit with war tax resistance activists. Without our money, our country could not carry out war in our name. Every year around April 15th, Americans are asked to make sure the national coffers are filled, and about half of the income taxes paid go to the military. Over 2 weeks we'll visit with 3 war tax resisters about their activism around working for peace & not paying for war. Lincoln Rice is coordinator for NWTRCC (National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee).
Enjoy the rich fruits of the 7th annual Songs for Social Change contest, sponsored by RAWA (Renaissance Artists and Writers Association). The main organizer, Dada Veda, shares 6 of the finalists in the 2022 contest, including winner Allan Licht. Other featured finalists are Stan & Liz Keach, Eileen Kozloff, Neil McCann & John Littrich, Allan Licht, Carole Wise, & Jason Horwitz.
Michael Johnathon is a farmer - a songfarmer - and he cultivates folk music from his log cabin just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, by his personal writing, playing and touring, through his 20 albums, but also via the radio and video show called WoodSongs that he's been broadcasting on hundreds of stations for the past 18 years. But, to circle back, Michael's core commitment is to serve the song, a passion that he carries out through the SongFarmers organization and community that he founded and sustains from his front porch.
Valerie Brown's new book is Hope Leans Forward, Teaching From a Black Buddhist & Quaker. Valerie's book shares a number of Buddhist & Quaker teachings and insights which can help anyone lead a more fulfilled & complete life. These lessons are embodied in the lives of many different people, but especial in Valerie's life experience growing up Afro-Cuban-Jamaican in a single-parent household in Brooklyn, NY.
Emily White is Memphis-raised, but Chicagoan as adult, self-describing as Southerner by heart, Midwestern by choice. While Emily's voice and music are beautiful and compelling, her lyrics elevate her to the top ranks of performers, touching the deep places and raising it all to golden heights. Her newest album is called Songs You Didn't Know I Wrote About You, and that's likely the truth you'll experience in Emily's music.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Jesus, Evangelical Christian, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal
In 1987 David & Lise Abazs bought and built their off-the-grid Round River Farm, in Finland, Minnesota, from the ground up, starting with a 30-year plan. Having completed that phase, and needing to create additional plans to allow them live sustainably on their land throughout their full lives, they created an updated 10-year strategic plan addressing aspects of energy, transportation, water, shelter, food, work/community, and spirituality.
A sampling of the full 3-plus-hour collaborative concert held on February 11th, 2023 as part of the People's Music Network (PMN) Winter Convergence hosted at The People's Forum in New York City. Activism, humor, inspiration, justice, and more by 10 of the 25-plus performers at the concert. Be there for future events!