Magical Concert for Rachel Corrie

There was a good showing at the fellowship hall in north Berkeley that sponsors many a good cause, despite the soggy weather. Many came from as far away as San Jose and Santa Clara to attend.

The star of the show was Jessica Rice, the daughter of a Pennsylvania preacherman, who is an immensely talented and soulful original songstress, in the tradition of Eve Cassidy, and maybe with Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins thrown in as well. She is actually unique, however, in her soul-inspired, story-telling songs accompanied with deft accoustic guitar. Really, she is an original who will hopefully get all the success she truly deserves.

Dennis Bernstein, the well-loved radio host of Flashpoints at KPFA, spotlighted Jessica singing her "hit song" "Caterpillar Man", the night before, which many people apparently caught, and were very moved by it.

Not only were we treated to the mesmerizing, uplifting, touching songs of the fresh-faced, bare-footed Jessica Rice, we also were witnesses to the extremely talented slam-poet Raphael Cohen's powerfully honest voice for humanity, in his two works, including "Parallels", citing the parallels between the Zionists' actions towards the Palestinians and Nazi Germany's past actions against the Jews. His fiery red Medusa-like hair and beard dramatically framed his soulful face as he performed his work in a compelling rapper's cadence.

Many eyes in the audience were tear-filled several times throughout the evening, however the message of Love for all humanity was implanted deep in our hearts. Jessica closed the evening with a tribute song for Einstein, which was really a nice touch. As per Raphael's discussion before he performed "Parallels", once of his greatest fears is that the murderous, racist, despicable regime of terror perpetrated by Zionists such as Sharon against the Palestinians, may overshadow the many wonderful, valuable contributions Jews have made throughout history. He asserts that a clear distinction be called between Judaism and Zionism.

It was a very moving and uplifting evening for all who attended.

Keep an eye open for these two young gifted performers! Jessica Rice and Raphael Cohen are likely to be well-known names in a matter of time.

Meanwhile, if you would like to know how you can get involved with the Rachel Corrie Banner Project, which will involve holding up billboard-sized banners protesting US support of apartheid Israel in front of the offices of Senate and Congress members on at least the 16th of every month (the anniversary of her martyrdom), please contact americansforjustice [at] earthlink.net.