With protesters being cleared out by tear gas in Oakland and Occupy encampments spread across cities all over the world as I type this, it feels as if the world is on the edge of something big and hopefully something better. And I, for one, want to do more than sit idly by as it happens.

Inspired by the Occupy movement and the legacy of Phil Ochs, one of the 60s strongest voices of protest, callers to revolution and hope for change, we along with Mark Baumgarten are organizing an evening of Ochs covers and a book drive to benefit the library of Occupy Seattle.

That’s What I Want to Hear: A Tribute to Phil Ochs
and Book Drive to Benefit Occupy Seattle
Friday November 4th at 9pm
Columbia City Theater - $10 at the Door
(All profit from the evening will go to Occupy Seattle)

We ask that you bring a book aimed at social, political or economic enlightenment that is currently acting as decoration on your bookshelf to donate and we’ll make sure the library of Occupy Seattle receives it. All ideas and political leanings are welcome for library donation, all knowledge encourages discourse. And within discourse and knowledge, lies power.

On stage singing some of Ochs’ most beloved and potent protest songs—including “I’m Not Marching Anymore” and “The Ringing of the Revolution”—will be: Sam Watts (of Ghosts I’ve Met), Shannon Stephens, Ben Barnett, Ali Marcus, Ben Fisher, Lukas Williams (of Youth Rescue Mission), The Gloria Darlings, Stepehn Nielsen and more. As we’re being reminded by the Occupy Protests, the more voices that join in, the more likely we are to be heard.

If you’re not familiar with Ochs’ and his powerful protest songs, this evening is sure to be a wonderful introduction. His songs may have been written in and about another era and cause, but they have rarely sounded more prescient than they do today.

Also be sure to check out the excellent Ochs’ documentary There But for the Fortune, its available for streaming on Netflix right now.

Whether you’ve been sleeping at Westlake, sharing links on your Facebook or silently believing in the cause, we ask you to join us next Friday to show your support.