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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (July 10, 2003)
EASY SPEAKIN’ Dr. Joel & Michelle Levey are founders of Seattle-based InnerWork Technologies, Inc., which develops stress- management and psycho-physiological ther- apy programs. They have studied with numerous spiritual leaders. Some of their books include: Living In Balance: A Dynamic Approach for Creating Harmony & Wholeness in a Chaotic World and Wisdom at Work; Simple Meditation & Relaxation. Joules Graves inspires people to sing and dance together, to find their unique voice and to unite in song and prayer. She’ll be singing for the celebration of Life and the unified prayer for Peace. OCF’S SPOKEN WORD LINEUP OFFERS ENTERTAINING INSIGHT. Karen Mahon is the Executive Director of the Hollyhock Leadership Institute, which offers training and strategic support for those working for environmental and social change. She is the former manag- ing director of Green Peace Canada, and led the successful action to protect the last 20 percent of intact ancient rain forest on Canada’s west coast. Known for years as a three-day reunion of friends, family and fun, the Oregon Country Fair has recently taken a turn for the more serious, focusing much of the active energy of its par- ticipants into a dynamic discussion of world events and issues. This year’s “Spoken Word” line up includes activists, musicians, poets and storytellers offering up their unique vision of our world. From silly to sublime, the featured speak- ers are bent on raising the awareness of their listeners, encouraging audiences to turn all that good-vibe energy into good works, and of course, it’s all good fun. –Aria Seligmann Alan Siporin was a civil rights and anti-Vietnam War activist in the ’60s and continues walking his talk as an award-win- ning author and journalist. From 1983 to ’93, Siporin was NPR’s primary freelance reporter for Oregon and his commentaries aired on “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” He has written for the New York Times, Northwest Magazine and Eugene Weekly. His first novel, Fire’s Edge, was selected for Readin’ in the Rain 2003. Siporin produces and hosts “Critical Mass,” a listener call-in program on KLCC. Anne Feeney uses music to carry the message of solidarity. A former attorney, Feeney exemplifies the spirit of the new/old guerilla minstrels working to build commu- nity, empower the people, and expose the Alan Siporin 12 JULY 10, 2003 naked imperialist. Utah Philips and Peter Yarrow have declared Anne “the most impor- tant labor singer in America.” Feeney per- forms with Chris Chandler in the Flying Poetry Circus. Chris Chandler is a poet from Stone Mountain, Georgia. His work is dis- turbing, hilarious and provocative. Dan Merkle is a Seattle-based attor- ney currently working on overhauling the criminal justice system, strengthening pro- gressive and independent media and commu- nications systems. He advises non-profits and community-based projects and is co- founder of the Center for Social Justice and the Independent Media Center. Faith Petric was born in 1915 in a log cabin in Northern Idaho to an itinerant musi- cal Methodist preacher. Petric has kept the faith as a touring folksinger, protesting against injustice and appearing at folk festivals and political gatherings around the world. Gina Salá is a vocalist, instructor, workshop facilitator, composer and co-direc- tor of Sound Healers of Washington. With a repertoire of 18 languages, Sala has shared songs on stages, living rooms and huts throughout the world. She works with at-risk youth and leads workshops for adults. She was featured on the documentary Sing: A Healing Community Celebration, and leads monthly kirtans (participatory, multi-faith chanting evenings). Kevin Danaher is co-founder and education director of Global Exchange and author of many books including: Democratizing the Global Economy: The Battle Against the World Bank and the IMF; Globalize This!: The Battle Against the World Trade Organization; and Corporations are Gonna Get Your Momma: Globilization and the Downsizing of the American Dream. Kipchoge Spencer is a song- Hilary Goldberg toured with Ani DiFranco as a documentary filmmaker in collaboration on the feature Render. Following the events of Sept. 11th, Goldberg found she had plenty to say. She started hit- ting open mics and coffee houses and has started a new documentary film chronicling independent artists and the current state of life in America. writer, musician, poet, and social entrepre- neur with a degree from Stanford University in environmental economics, civil engineer- ing and resource efficiency. Kipchoge hit the scene recently with a poem that he has per- formed for radio, TV and thousands live at rallies and festivals titled How Much, the subject of a forthcoming film intended to reach deeper into the hearts of those that have, and thus, have a choice. Holly Near’s career began with film, television, Broadway and eventually regional theaters, where she wrote and performed. In 1972, she was most likely the first woman in the U.S. to go “independent” when she found- ed Redwood Records, which became a major force in alternative music for almost two decades. Near’s most recent recording is Edge. Ina May Gaskin , CPM, is founder and director of The Farm Midwifery Center on The Farm in Tennessee, editor of The Birth Gazette and author of Spiritual Midwifery (into its fourth edition), Babies, Breastfeeding and Bonding, and her newest work Ina May’s Guide to Child Birth. One of the most well known midwives in the world, her contribution to the culture of childbirth in the U.S. has been enormous. Jim Page has 17 full-length recordings and still likes being a street musician — in addition to his concert hall gigs. His music is known for mixing humor, irony and lyrical brilliance to expose the outrages and absurd- ities of our times. The prolific performer will offer “unsung songs and attempted poetics” to fairgoers. Faith Petric
