Krist Novoselic, Michael Franti, Moon Zappa Speak Their Minds On Spitfire
March 10, 2000, 10:05 am PT
The spoken word Spitfire Tour kicked off its third year and biggest run yet Thursday (March 9) in Portland, Ore. on the campus of the West's most liberal institution, Reed College. Though billed as an enlightening, intellectually challenging presentation of "musicians, artists, and activists speaking out on global affairs," the evening had the feel of a series of loosely-rehearsed comedy routines.
The 300 or so students viewed impassioned scenes from previous tours before Spearhead's Michael Franti (formerly of Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) kicked off the live action with a directive for all to express themselves before gliding through a spirited poetic rap about finding your voice and a call to "be like the skin on the drum," which drew a favorable response from the leftist crowd.
Next up was former Nirvana bassist, Krist Novoselic (currently of Sweet 75), who reflected on last year's tour, claiming that he received the most grief for advocating democracy as a means of social change. The casual Novoselic pumped his JAMPAC organization before discussing his reactions to the WTO talks and resulting riots in his Seattle hometown. With a dry wit and apparent awkwardness, the lanky Novoselic went through his journal of the historic events, claiming that the experience was both exciting and akin to "a political Mardi Gras."
Former MTV VJ and area adolescent, Kennedy, took the mike next, declaring that she has traded in her Republican badge for a Libertarian one and shamelessly promoting her Seattle radio talk show. She paid lip service to not being defined by one's political affiliation, race, or sex and the failures of Social Security before concluding with a misplaced plea against abortion.
Moon Zappa briefly challenged Kennedy's reproductive views before clamoring through a lax lesson that self-discovery and fulfillment can best be obtained through laziness and selfishness. Despite her seemingly empty position and Novoselic's stunned, somewhat disgusted reaction, the charming Zappa won the crowd over with an over-the-top dance routine to Kid Rock's banal "Bawitdaba."
The most moving speech came from Franti. With grace and practiced timing, the streetwise musician discussed the empty hype of Y2K, asserting that "we are detached from being human due to distractions" such as computers. Franti ran through another rap reminding people to appreciate life's simple beauties, not to become overwhelmed, and to "resist the negativity," ending with the proclamation that "all the freaky people make the beauty of the world." A question-and-answer session followed, with the Reedies railing the "pop icons" for "wasting their time," their $2000 speaking fees, and supporting corporate, money-hungry entities.
Scheduled Spitfire Tour stops currently run through May 12 (University of Cincinnati) with more dates to be announced.
