Harmonic Dissidents will, we hope, advance the activist elements of Honk bands. The idea of launching this e-zine has been kicking around for more than a year, but we needed a kick in the pants to get it going. We actually got two.
Carnival Band playing at Mr. Spot's Chai House, Honk!Fest West 2009
The first was the brouhaha in Seattle over associating strippers with the Honk Fest name in a Seattle fund-raiser in February 2009 called “Tits and Brass.” The ensuing arguments about subsuming the progressive politics of the Honk movement to the neo-burlesque aesthetic were rancorous, hilarious, and multifaceted but did not resolve a single thing. Fearing an uncontrolled slide into unbounded hedonism, some of us called for a workshop at Honk Fest West 2, April 2009 in Seattle, that would focus on politics.
That workshop refreshed our faith in Honking for peace, social justice, and empowered communities. The 30 participants—from California to British Columbia—were respectful, communicated skillfully and were enthusiastic about the role of street music in promoting political and social goals. We touched on the many things our bands do for our communities and our souls. The other kick in the pants we got will be discussed in what will be our first print edition.
Yes, it is true! Very shortly we will be releasing our very first print edition, full of interesting articles. It will be available for free download as a pdf file on this site. Please bear with us as the finishing touches are made and keep an eye on HARMONIC DISSIDENTS. Thanks!
Environmental Encroachment playing at Smarty Pants, Honk!Fest West 2009