I have been making my regular seven minute yatra (pilgrimage) from my home to the Barrel coffee shop in Totnes high street, Devon, England, since 1996. If I may so, I have mentioned the Barrel in three of my books.
I have written in the coffee shop chunks of books, essays and poems in the Barrel and read numerous books, articles and PDF files, as well as countless conversations involved in the inner life of people, as well as plotting to bring about the downfall of corporate consumerism and violent governments, such as the British government and overseas governments.
Last Wednesday (July 30, 2014), an event took place in the Barrel that warmed my heart. The Barrel hosted an event – RAISE FUNDS FOR GAZA. Beloved Ben Yeger, Combatants for Peace UK representative and Encounters Creative Associate, helped organise the live event with 47SOUL (Palestinian Roots Dance Music) with singers, musicians from Palestine and Jordan, who are on their first UK tour.
Ben, an Israeli citizen and former soldier, wrote: “This event is born out of a necessity to act and gather people together to unite around the crisis in Palestine. This is a rare opportunity to see the latest underground music coming out of the Middle East.
“This event brings music and community together to bring awareness about the occupation of Palestine and fundraiser for Al-Assria Cultural Centre for Children in Jabalia Refugee Camp, Gaza.” http://www.gaza-health.com/en
The small, funky ballroom in the upstairs of the Barrel, brought together around 200 people (Totnes population is 8000. Totnes by-laws permit a maximum of around 200 for the ballroom). People paid at the door on a donation basis to support the people in Gaza.
Local citizens were people queuing down the street to give donations for the Gaza appeal, even though they knew they could not get inside because the hall was jammed tight. Richard, the owner of the Barrel, told me yesterday it was the biggest turnout he had seen for an event in his coffee shop.
Ben said that 47Soul combines traditional Palestinian street music and dance with the deep beats of Middle East music with a mixture of Arab and English lyrics. The lyrics focus on celebration, freedom and struggle for equality, inside Palestine and throughout the world.
Here is a link to their music; 47SOUL – “Jahrusalem” | Live at the TBA Live Series. The band is on its ways to becoming a big hit in the underground music scene in Britain.
Activism and music blend well together. Ask the new wave of fans of Palestinian music and activism in Totnes. Cool.