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Rock Against Racism was a movement in the late 70s which aimed to tackle the growing menace of racial intolerance. The seminal event in the history of RAR was the by now legendary concert in Victoria park in London where bands like the Clash and Tom Robinson Band took the stage to tell the world in no uncertain terms that music had the potential to unite people regardless of the colour of their skin.
Wednesday 30 AprilTo celebrate the 30th anniversary of this event the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in conjunction with NICICTU are planning a day of events at the 'Oh Yeah' centre in Gordon street culminating in a Rock Against Racism gig at the Spring and Airbrake. If you're interested in the modern day equivalent of RAR visit Love Music Hate Racism at www.lovemusichateracism.com.
Venue: all (except Ossia Music Centre Workshop) Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-22 Gordon Street (off Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter), Belfast, BT1 2LG, www.ohyeahbelfast.com.
11:00am – 12 Noon - The 'Motion' Project Workshop is aimed at anyone who interested in getting involved in learning a bit more about the variety of musical cultures in Northern Ireland. This music collective based in Northern Ireland has representation of artists from many different cultures. The Motion Project tour around N Ireland providing unique world music interactive experiences, programmes and performances.
They aim to address racism, sectarianism and other discrimination issues in Northern Ireland by showing how our individuality can produce something far more attractive and unique when we work together. Motion provides people with the opportunity to hear and play music from around the world and to meet others from different cultural backgrounds.
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Lunchtime Screening of the Documentary ‘Who shot the Sheriff?’
Produced by Inertia Films and Directed by Alan Miles ‘Who Shot the Sheriff’ tracks the rise of racism and the National Front in Britain during the 1970’s – and how a generation, black and white, used music to fight the Nazi threat.
The Documentary features lots of rarely seen archive footage from the Punk and Rock Against Racism era along with a wealth of interviews with leading artists and activists.
Who Shot the Sheriff? tells the story of one of the most exiting mass movements in British History.
Aimed at city centre workers or anyone interested this shortened 20 minute film will be followed by an open discussion. (Sandwiches and tea/coffee provided).
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
The full length film will be shown at 6:00pm.
4:00 pm- 5:00 pm: Oh Yeah Music Centre. Presented by Stuart Baiilie, BBC broadcaster and former Assistant Editor of NME. This workshop will discuss the power of music to broadcast important ideas, to educate, stimulate and organise.
Punk and anti-racism is a great start because it was an important time to take issue with the wrongs in society. Rock Against Racism used popular music to counter the increasing acceptance of intolerant prejudiced public racial speeches.
Rock Against Racism was informed by punk and reggae music which discussed social issues in the music business. The Clash summed it all up best, preparing the way for The Specials, 2 Tone and beyond. This workshop will look at the themes and then trace the history back to Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, even further back to spirituals, slave songs and union anthems.
And how did all this impact on Northern Ireland? It was clearly in the music of Stiff Little Fingers, Ruefrex and later songs by The Undertones. A song like 'Alternative Ulster' was the inspiration for a whole other mindset, away from tribalism and sectarianism. Many of us feel that the spirit of that age did encourage young people to open their minds. The future for Northern Ireland is a more tolerant, enquiring place and again, music is helping to prepare people's attitudes for this process.
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
Ossia Music School in Belfast, in support of the Rock Against Racism celebrations is compiling musical pieces based on the theme of Rock against Racism/Love Music Hate Racism. The pieces produced by young musicians will be available from the 30 April 2008 as a download from the Commission’s and Ossia Music School’s website. This an invitation only event. For more information on the work of Ossia Music School go to www.ossiamusicschool.com
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Screening of the Documentary ‘Who shot the Sheriff?’
Produced by Inertia Films and Directed by Alan Miles ‘Who Shot the Sheriff’ tracks the rise of racism and the National Front in Britain during the 1970’s – and how a generation, black and white, used music to fight the Nazi threat.
The Documentary features lots of rarely seen archive footage from the Punk and Rock Against Racism era along with a wealth of interviews with leading artists and activists.
Who Shot the Sheriff? tells the story of one of the most exiting mass movements in British History. The film will be followed by an open discussion.
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
9:00pm – Late: Rock Against Racism gig, Spring and Airbreak
See a .pdf of the poster or visit: www.equalityni.org.
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