Brightest Young Things

words by Julia Peterson.
photos by Sam Goldstein

Given the tumultuous politics our generation faces, we hardly live up to previous generations' ability to use live music as inspiration for political change. Monday night, American University Students for Sensible Drug Policy proved they still know how to infuse activism with the empowering energy only live music brings. The event, "Words Break Bars", combined Baltimore and DC hiphop poets with a drug legalizing cop, and wrapped it all up with fun-loving Ra Ra Rasputin. It was a whirlwind of performers with a diverse set of talents, all tied together with an agenda of inspiring an end to the War on Drugs.

In the grassy AU amphitheater, surrounded by trees and buried between dormitories, student Drew Franklin introduced the show declaring "This event is not about your right to get high." This was not going to be a miniature version of a Seattle or Boston Hempfest celebrating pot culture and stoner music. This show was about the violence, death, and deception perpetuated by the drug war, and how music and art that might speak truth to it.

The Pravhrb, local emcee and activist with Justice DC Youth, kicked off the show with a unique energy.  His 15 minute set touched on the intersections of race and injustice in sentencing, messages which were set to diverse and well-produced beats. While The Prahverb was clearly an experienced emcee, it is unlikely that any of his performances have been followed by a Maryland State Police officer.

Next Neill Franklin took the stage, a 32 year veteran of the Maryland State Police, and current member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. For 30 minutes Neill rehashed his stories of commanding Baltimore's drug war, choking up at points where he retold personal encounters with drug war casualties. The audience was fascinated as this cop, straight out of The Wire, made a compelling argument for why we need to legalize all drugs.

Neill was followed by young and captivating Baltimore vocalist Carolyn Malachi. Malachi performed tracks off her second album, "Revenge of the Smart Chics II: Ambitious Gods." During her 15 minute set, the audience never lost interest in her unique medley of dignified jazz, daring hip hop, and spoken word. Her lyrics mostly spoke to empowering women, and she wrapped up her set right on target with the song "Needles".  This song was an ode to friends addicted to substances: "is you looking for God shooter?; you've got him, take your mirror in hand; give birth to a plan, no more idle hands." Throughout her set, Malachi never wavered in her endearing composure and optimistic outlook.

The lovely and composed Malachi could not have been followed by a more brilliant contrast than bashful and free-spirited Ra Ra Rasputin. After an admittedly heavy night, it took only one song for Ra Ra to get the audience off their asses and start a dance party in front of the stage. Ra Ra was completely at home as they danced and played under the canopy of trees. Before I knew it, the sun had set and Ra Ra's 45 minute energy-packed set was over. Ra Ra wrapped up the show pledging their allegiance to the cause and encouraging students to get involved with DC activist groups like Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Without a doubt, the inspiring energy cultivated by Ra Ra and all the night's performers will be harnessed and used by AU students and concert-goers in finding alternatives to the failed War on Drugs.

Previously in Live DC:

• 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
• 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
• 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
• 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
• 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
• 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
• 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
• 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
• 5/22: Photos: Summer Camp takes the "Ladies of Town" Drag Show