Anti-LGBT Reggae Star's Show Canceled
Capleton show scheduled for Moe's Alley canceled after gay community members point out hate-filled lyrics.
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Earlier this month, the California tour of an anti-gay dance hall reggae star was announced—and it included a stop in Santa Cruz at Moe's Alley.
After requests for cancellation—and a mini Facebook campaign—from multiple members of the gay community, the event has been canceled.
Capleton, a popular reggae star with multiple songs that include calls to incite violence against gays, had been scheduled to appear at Moe's Alley on Nov. 29.
On Thursday, a message reached Santa Cruz's gay community that the event would not be happening after all.
Merrie Schaller, a local LGBT activist, announced in an e-mail: "I just spoke with Bill, the owner of the club; because Moe's is closed on Mondays, they often rent the space to outside promoters, which is what happened in this case. As soon as Bill heard about Capleton … he called the promoter and canceled the contract."
Moe's Alley representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Patch.
Steph Taylor, the Diversity Center's development coordinator, was pleased with the quick response from folks at Moe's Alley.
"As soon as they found out what this 'artist's' message was, it felt as if they were offended," she said.
But, she added, outside of Santa Cruz there is still cause for concern. Capleton has other venues on his tour that have not been canceled.
"We still need to be vigilant," Taylor said. "He should, in my opinion, not be spreading this hate anyway."
Sam Kestu
5:48 pm on Saturday, November 13, 2010
It is great that Moe's Alley has canceled Capleton! Thanks!
Capleton was also canceled in San Francisco for 11/26/10 http://bit.ly/dAoEaP
The club in San Francisco, 1015 Folsom Street, appears to have canceled Capleton's appearance on their own and before activists could contact them. Big Up to both Moe's Alley and 1015 Folsom Street!
Capleton is still on the schedule for Harlow's in Sacramento on 11/28/10. Capleton got canceled at Harlow's in 2004 http://tinyurl.com/3yvxbeh
The 11/28/10 Sacramento date is the only one remaining on this November 2010 California tour that we know about.
Capleton's February 2010 West Coast tour was also canceled. Over the years, Capleton has had concerts canceled all over the U.S. and Europe.
You can find out more about Capleton, his "kill LGBT" songs and his violation of his 2007 Reggae Compassionate Act agreement not to promote hatred and violence, at http://bit.ly/9lg1KD
Ruth Schneider
11:41 am on Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thanks for sharing those links.
Sam Kestu
5:37 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
As of 11/23/10 Capleton is canceled in San Francisco and "postponed" in Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, he is still scheduled for Oakland (11/24/10), Los Angeles (11/25/10), Eureka (11/27/10) and Sacramento (11/28/10). See http://bit.ly/9lg1KD
There's an intense discussion going on about Capleton's visit to Eureka, California on 11/27/10 "Capleton booking upsets 'murder music' activists" http://bit.ly/e7Lydb
Terry
12:32 pm on Friday, November 26, 2010
What happened to free speech in the United States of America. LGBT individuals want the right to be who they are and express there way of life but they want to silence others with a different point of view! Let people be who they are and say what they want!
Barbara S F Davis
2:07 pm on Thursday, January 27, 2011
Terry, I see you want fair play for both sides. If those who are aggressively anti-LGBT are invited to express themselves publicly, then lets give abusive parents air time to stand up for their right to hit children, or hear corporate spokespersons proclaim rights to make bloated profits at the expense of animals, oceans, forests and people. The LGBT community has been courageous to declare itself worthy of full inclusion in the larger group. Disrespect, unkindness or threats against these brave individuals are no more acceptable than beaten children, destroyed habitats or uranimum-induced cancers.
Now I'll step down from my high horse.