Michael Moore's latest film Sicko, just out in theaters, may - as its detractors so quickly accuse it  of being - be biased and one-sided. But you know what? I don't give a damn because like all of Moore's films to date, it is still a hell of a unique work: one that tells the side of the downtrodden, ill-represented majority of this economically unbalanced society in which we dwell.  It is a story that long needed to be told and the fact that someone as high-profile as Moore, whose films get so much attention and viewers, is  a wonderful thing that hopefully will lead to changes in the current corrupt medical insurance system in the USA.  Sicko  also brings to my mind some of the other great expose documentaries that have been produced in recent years and that are available on DVD - which means you should be able to find them in Amoeba's DVD section.


Some of my personal favorites include OutFoxed which takes a humorous but scathing look at Rupert Murdoch's Fox News network (an easy target for sure...but a well worth one), presenting some of the shameless attempts at "fair and balanced" reporting that the TV "news" station practices.

Other documentaries in the whistle-blower style include Robert Greenwald's must-see 2005 documentary Wal-Mart: The High Price Of Low Cost (see clip below) which exposes the retail giant for the shady, exploitive, corrupt, employer and corporation that it really is - one that has the audacity to wrap itself in the image of the American flag when its practices (ranging from exploiting medicare, destroying small businesses and communities within the United States and exploiting overseas workers) are the most un-American that any entity could possibly execute.  This documentary exposes the retail giant from the perspective of its hard-working employees and along the way exposes facts such as the high crime rate in the under-protected Wal-Mart parking lots.

The Farce Of July, Xicano Records & Films annual anti-colonialism celebration was held at Self Help Graphics. Started by the group, Aztlan Underground, The Farce Of July is an alternative celebration of freedom without buying into faux-patriotism. Many East Los bands, deejays and poets have performed for free each year, providing the community with entertainment beyond firecrackers and alcohol. Muralists usually create art on the spot and various independent vendors sell jewelry, clothing and alternative books that you will not be able to find in any mall.

The musical line-up varies from year to year. This year the festival included; festival organizers Aztlan Underground; Olmeca, a conscious rap artist who just returned from a extended stay in Chiapas with the Zapatistas; recently reunited 80’s East L.A. punk legends, The Brat, and Quetzal, in one of their final performances for several years. The co-leaders of Quetzal, Martha Gonzalez and Quetzal Flores, are moving to Vera Cruz for a year, then to Washington State while Martha finishes her PHD. They will be sorely missed not only for their music but for their work in the Chicano community as well.

The highlight of the event was the performance by Geronimo. They are like a modern day Goblin. For those who don’t know who Goblin was, they were a 70’s –80’s Italian prog group that were responsible for many eerie soundtracks to Dario Argento’s horror movies. Geronimo captivated the audience with their minimalist noise and keyboard swells to go along with a heavy rhythm section. Think Sly & Robbie if they played in the Swans. Horror filmmakers should really check out this band. Geronimo has just signed to 3ONEG, the label run by the members of the band, The Locust.

Wizard Video 092

Lettuce Entertain You Inc.

Heads up on the Kiki & Herb show coming soon to San Francisco, scheduled to open Friday July 13th at the  A.C.T. on Geary with tix starting at only $12 and going up to $45. My advice is get 'em now while you can - especially at the cheaper end prices - before reviews get out on this side-splittingly hilarious duo's show that makes its way to the Bay from New York City where the cabaret comedy duo with a punk attitude got nominated for a Tony after their successful Broadway show.  I recently caught their most recent show at Joe's Pub in New York where they did about a month of Sunday nights.  Before going  I honestly had no idea what they would be like. I just knew that the show, in which Kiki is the alter ego of Justin Bond and Herb is really Kenny Mellman,  was some sort of irreverent drunken drag comedy musical live show - but frankly that description sells it short - way short.  What it was, is one of the most entertaining, quick-witted, satirical-comedic, music-based, stage performances I have ever witnessed - one of those perfectly crafted performances that is so smoothly delivered that it comes off as totally improvised, which it is not - and the ninety minutes or so of the show zipped  by like it was only 20 minutes. Brilliant!  Check this review of their Broadway show from the New York TImes.


AFFORDABLE SF ARTIST EXPO: It might seem hard to recall a time when artists exchanged ideas and information (images, sounds, videos, etc.) not via laptops, Blackberrys, or iPhones - but in person. It's really not that long ago.  In fact when the Expo for the Artist & Musician started back in the year  2000 there was no MySpace or YouTube and while most individuals had Email addresses and/or websites the digital age wasn't in the progressive state it is in today.  Regardless, then or now, nothing beats that personal touch - especially when it comes to artists physically reaching out and meeting other artists and sharing ideas in a common physical space. And that is exactly what the affordable, recommended annual Expo for the Artist & Musician does . It is  only $25 to secure a table at the  event which happens on Saturday, September 15th (11AM - 6PM) at SomArts 934 Brennan. Info