The Truth&Rights Symposium creates an environment in which independent artists, thinkers and media are able to enter into a direct dialogue over the course of an afternoon filled with music, film and respectful debate. Originally conceived in the homes of the original founders of The Truth&Rights Collective, the nature of the Symposium is one that is currently evolving to ensure that any interested party or vested voice can participate.
Continuing in this vision, we open the doors of Denver's own Forest Room 5 for the second installment of this growing series. Details will be made available soon but in the meantime, please mark your calendars and tell your friends as this will be a standing-room only event with some of the most independent and engaging voices on the scene today.
Symposium1
Inaugurally hosted at The Walnut Room in Denver, Colorado on on May 31st, 2009, The Truth&Rights Symposium welcomed a packed house of diverse minds and ethnicities, ranging from conservative academics to socially conscious emcee's and turntablists. As the day progressed, a commonality was found that extended far beyond the polarizing caricatures of the Right and Left. In keeping with Truth&Rights core mission of instigating new dialogues through independent expression, the following performers shared their vision:
Brad Corrigan [Braddigan]
Formerly of the massively successful indie band Dispatch until their breakup in 2002, Braddigan has been pursuing a successful solo effort since 2003 having released two albums independently on his own label, Third Surfer Music.
A Screening of the Film “Day of Light”
In 2005, musician Brad Corrigan was invited to play for a benefit concert and a youth rally in Managua, Nicaragua. While on the trip, he was introduced to the incredible extremes of this Central American country: an elite upper-class and extreme poverty. Managua's city trash dump is unlike most mountains of trash around the world: it is home to hundreds of people who depend on the garbage for their livelihood, their food, and their shelter. Inspired by these new found friends, Love Light & Melody was formed in 2007 to meet the educational, health, and vocational needs of this trash dump community. Love Light & Melody embraces Brad's powerfully simple concept: "When you walk with someone you're saying to them, 'I am with you.' We can walk in hell and not have fear." Released at the end of 2008, "Dia de Luz," chronicles this epic celebration of life in the trash dump
The Chain Gang of 1974
Hailing from the urban hallways of Denver, Colorado, The Chain Gang of 1974 is one of the rare dance acts that find their roots in the iconic hails of revolutionary punk rock. Acknowledging that it’s not just enough to drive people’s feet but also their minds, The Chain Gang is continually pushing the sonic boundaries of their audience while staying true to their craft.
WhyGee and Brikabrak
WhyGee, one of the most underground and prolific emcees on the scene, continues to gather rave revues from street-level laureates and critics alike. Whygee and Sunken State's excellent Suicide Watch EP debuted on the College Music Journal hip-hop chart at number 30 and he continues to tread new ground with socially-conscious thinkers across the board. With a firm commitment to release his music to the masses for free, WhyGee is setting an archetype by which many other underground artists are beginning to take notice.
The Inaugural Truth&Rights Symposium was free and open to the general public as well as a select group of invitees.