Saturday, June 28, 2:40-3:20pm, Goodale Park [during ComFest] [on the Goodale Stage], 120 W. Goodale St.

Want protest music? Make Jazz Not War [formerly JazzPoetry Ensemble] has it. We’ve been protesting since the Vietnam War. After the pandemic, we changed our name and our style. The message is too important these days, so we’re making it more accessible. You can dance to it. We even have audience participation. Come dance with us. Come chant with us. Here’s what you can expect.

“The Counter-Revolution Is Being Televised.” Everybody’s watching the counter-revolution happen. The right is trying to make racism, sexism, and homophobia acceptable again. Make Jazz Not War isn’t just watching. Our latest update to Gil Scott-Heron’s classic raises the alarm. We tried The Repression Will Not be . . , and The Repression Will be . . . And here we are.

“Moral Decay.” How can society work when role models are corrupt? Some of our children’s most potent role models are fascists and criminals. An audience participation opportunity. Why shouldn’t you?

“The Vegetarian Dirty Blues.” A Bessie Smith style detour. Politics is important, but so is human intimacy. Join in on the chorus: “The only meat I want to eat is you.”

“The Judges: Fear and Loathing with The Supremes.” As in Hunter Thompson’s brilliant portrait of Clarence Thomas in Elko, we take a long night’s journey into fear with Sam Alito and Clarence into a harrowing maze of drugs, prostitution, back-alley abortions, murder, and judicial corruption.

“We Are Not Going Away.” An anthem of unity, resistance, intersectionality, and persistence. A chance for chants. Watch the awesome video.

“Make Jazz Not War!” Our mantra. Collaboration in a context of funky improvisation is the best alternative to fascism.

This is worth traveling for. Tell your neighbors. Tell your friends. Seriously.

Make Jazz Not War is Roger Hines, bass; Brett Burleson, guitar; The Governor, drums; Michael Vander Does, trombone and vocal. Michael Cox will join us on woodwinds.

Hosted by Make Jazz Not War.