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Monday, May 10, 2010
Politics / Music SB 1070 Fallout: Cypress Hill Cancels Rialto Show
Posted by Jim Nintzel on Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:33 PM
Citing Arizona's new immigration law, Latin hip-hop band Cypress Hill has canceled a May 21 appearance at downtown's Rialto Theatre to protest Arizona's new immigration law.
The band stated on its Web site:
In a show of resistance to the criminalization of immigrant communities and in opposition to SB1070, recently signed into Arizona legislation, Cypress Hill has elected to cancel a performance scheduled in Tucson for May 21, 2010. This decision was made in an effort to show support and solidarity with those, undocumented and otherwise, being directly affected by this unconstitutional "law". Cypress Hill recognizes those living in the struggle for their basic civil rights. Rise Up!
Rialto GM and Friend of the Range Curtis McCrary wrote to the band last Friday to try to persuade them to do the show:
Dear B Real, Sen Dog, and the rest of the Cypress Hill organization,
I have just learned of your inclination to cancel your scheduled Tucson show at my venue, the Rialto Theatre, on May 21st, over Arizona's recently passed SB 1070 legislation.
Let me express my general agreement with the idea of boycotting a state that would pass such a law, both as an objection to such an anti-human-rights piece of legislation and as a means of applying pressure that might prevent the law from taking effect or cause it to be rescinded it if it does take effect, as planned, in July. A boycott from high-profile Hispanic artists such as yourselves sends a very strong message that this hateful legislation should not be tolerated by any respectable society. However, there are several reasons why I hope you will consider not canceling the show, and instead use it as an opportunity to let your voices be heard, loud and clear, that this law is unacceptable and that many millions of us in Arizona and nationwide are determined to stop SB 1070 with any
civil means at our disposal.
First let me tell you a little bit about The Rialto Theatre and our organization. The Theatre opened in 1920 and among many other incarnations, it was a Spanish-language movie house through much of the '70s and '80s. It is a critical part of Tucson's cultural heritage that serves a very diverse array of audiences. The Rialto Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to the stewardship of the historic Rialto Theatre, as well as to bringing the best in musical and other culture to Tucson. To a person, everyone involved with the Rialto loves music dearly and it is our organizational reason for being. Without digressing too much, I can tell you that we all are very excited about having Cypress Hill perform here, because we take great pride in the opportunity to host artists of your caliber. We were thrilled that you liked the mural we had painted on the side of the venue well enough to post it on your website. So suffice to say it'd be a great disappointment to us as fans of Cypress Hill if the show didn't happen. But furthermore, as a non-profit, we tend to struggle a bit with our financial situation from time to time, and to lose a big show like we anticipated having with you would obviously be detrimental to us in that regard as well.
Undoubtedly, you've considered the impact a potential cancellation would have on your fans here in southern Arizona, many of whom are Hispanic-Americans or for that matter, Mexican nationals (if they are not themselves boycotting our state). But I sense a lot of excitement out there about the show — from comments on our Facebook page, from talk on the radio, from the sheer number of people I've seen getting photographed in front of our mural, from what our street team people tell us, etc. It's been many years since you've played here and fans are eager (and excited about the new record). These fans had nothing to do with SB 1070 being passed, and in fact are among those in the state most vocally against it. So they'd be suffering the consequences of a foolish and hateful governor and legislature, which is unfair to them, although they wouldn't (and shouldn't) blame you for that — only the state government.
You might have also heard that first a police officer in Tucson, and then the city governments of Tucson (and Flagstaff) have filed Federal lawsuits challenging SB 1070's constitutionality. I have read a lot of legal analysis that strongly suggests that SB 1070 will not survive a legal challenge because it is unconstitutional, but of course that process could potentially take a long time to play out, and meanwhile thousands of people could be harassed or worse simply because they look Hispanic and can now be racially profiled under color of law. You probably did not hear about the May Day rally in Tucson that brought out an estimated 10,000 people (including Linda Ronstadt and Representative Raul Grijalva) this past Saturday. In addition, the Sheriff of Pima County, Clarence Dupnik, has taken a very strong vocal stand against SB 1070 and has said he'd be extremely disinclined to enforce it. In our city, there is an overwhelming consensus against what the state has done and legal steps are being taken to fight it. Your (and our) fight is not with Tucson, but rather certain elements within our state legislature.
So instead of canceling, it is my sincere hope that you'll consider joining with us to strenuously object to this incredibly backwards legislation, and still undertake the May 21st performance as a rebuke to those that would attempt to give the force of law to racial disharmony. There are many ways we can leverage the national media attention over this issue to amplify our dissenting voices, and I'd like to propose that we team up on a full-scale media blitz — press conference on the show day with you and us, press releases going out to local and national media about how you were inclined to cancel the show but instead are using it to let your voice be heard, filming of the press conference to post on our website and yours, etc. In addition, I propose that we will donate 50% of any profits from the show to Chicanos por la Causa (http://www.cplc.org/) and/or Humane Borders (http://humaneborders.org/) and that you consider donating a portion of your artist fee from the show to these organizations as well, or to a related charity of your choice.As I said initially, a boycott can send a powerful message, but I truly think that the approach I am proposing will have a far greater impact, and I (and your fans) will get the added benefit of getting to see Cypress Hill perform at the Rialto!
To borrow your new album title, I think this is how we 'Rise Up.'
Thank you for considering this and know that we are in league with you on this matter, regardless of what you ultimately decide.
All the best
Curtis McCrary
General Manager, The Rialto Theatre
Comments (25)
Showing 1-25 of 25
For those who know me personally, what I'm about to say may come as a bit of a surprise.
The fact that the Rialto is understanding of Cypress Hill's political stance on SB1070, and their willingness to support them by not trying to recoup any losses, deserves attention. They are about to lose a none too small chunk of change because of this. It would be nice if those who purchased tickets could forfeit their refund to some sort of "donation" fund that could be split between the Rialto ( to cover their losses) and Derechos Humanos or some other pro-immigrant organization. It could be that the Rialto's 501c3 status prevents them from doing something like that, and if that's the case, I think ticket holders should consider forfeiting their ticket refund as a form of political protest, and as a show of support for the Rialto's fairness and understanding. Do the right thing.
like
dislikeGreat letter by Curtis McCray. Let's just hope others don't join Cypress Hill (and I mean you, Grupo Fantasma!)
It's understandable that folks tried to get them to change their minds, but posting this letter detracts from CH's message, in my opinion. By essentially saying, "hey, we tried to get them to come," the Rialto is saying "Cypress Hill did the wrong thing here." That's one view, but I prefer the view that has been expressed on the Rialto's facebook page and website: This sucks but please focus your anger in the correct direction: at the legislature.
Yes, this hurts. It's supposed to. It's also messy, since people are getting hurt who do not deserve to be hurt. It needs to be like this for a while.
I think a closer reading of my letter would suggest that I agree with what you're saying, Rachel. I essentially state as much. However the approach I proposed (which was, I won't deny, self-interested in that a cancellation would be harmful to Rialto) could have had a powerful impact as well, but that I understand (and in some repects support/agree with, etc.) the boycott and subsequent cancellation of our show. It hurts us, though, in terms of both out of pocket advertising and opportunity cost, as it was on track to be a profitable show. I definitely didn't say, nor do I feel, that the band is doing the wrong thing.
But why mention your proposed solution publicly? The fact that you tried to talk them out of it (even though you offered an alternative that respected their stance), says that you disagreed with their decision. I'm not criticizing what you did, I'm just saying that strategically it's better not to announce it. Maximize the effect by removing any hedging.
You're an attorney, you haven't heard of arguing in the alternative? We wanted the show to happen but were understanding if the decision was ultimately to cancel. I mentioned it publicly because, hey, that's how it went down. That's all.
I'm just saying that, in my opinion, better to keep this correspondence confidential. That way, the story is: "Cypress Hill cancels concert because of horrible Arizona law. Rialto supports their decision." Instead of the current story which is: "Cypress Hill cancels concert because of horrible Arizona law. Rialto wanted them to do it anyway and use the concert as a vehicle for protest, but CH decided on the boycott." The first version is crisp. The second version, while true, is muddier.
I mean, the letter's already out there, but in the future when people ask you about the situation, you don't have to elaborate on all these details. "Rialto supports their decision" is just a much more powerful message.
We should be applauding people for honesty, transparency and full disclosure, not encouraging them to be opaque. Nothing wrong with knowing the whole story.
I agree with Jim P. on keeping things transparent. I disagree with Tucson being hit for a largely "Phoenix" action, from what I've understood via the media. No comment on the Rialto Theatre.
Dear McCrary,
First let me say that I respect the fact that you feel so strongly about SB1070. Strongly enough that you decided to voice your opinion publicly and let everyone know where you stand with illegal immigration. If you have a business and you pick a side of this bill, you’re going to lose money one way or another. That is why many business owners and managers are remaining neutral. Well, you sir, are going to lose money. I have personally attended 9 concerts at the Rialto in the last 3 years. The last one was the megadeth show a month or two ago. I will never attend another show at your venue again, nor will my friends or family. I will make sure that I email a link to your letter here, and post in every forum so that everyone knows how you feel. Maybe it would have been a better idea to keep your business private. I agree, a boycott can send a powerful message. Best of luck to you in all of your future financial endeavors.
Dear "hybrdwrstlr"
You know precisely nothing about my views on illegal immigration except that I am opposed to SB 1070. So is the Major League Baseball Player's Union, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the ownership of the Phoenix Suns, the municipal governments of Tucson and Flagstaff, TUSD, etc.
I think it is a stupid law the origin of which is racist in nature, something that is well documented if you bother to do a little reading about the bill's author Russell Pearce and his connections to the well-known racist organization FAIR.
Beyond that you know nothing of my views and yet you're attempting to silence me with threats of boycott by the entire hybrdwrstlr clan, not to mention all your associates. To me that is the behavior of a scoundrel.
Furthermore, your threat about posting my views "in every forum" is at once absurd and somewhat moot, especially given that a link to this story was posted on azcentral.com today, which, if you didn't know, is the most-visited site in Arizona.
I am sorry for you that my expression of the opinion that SB 1070 is a bad and stupid law will cause you to no longer patronize our venue, but who am I to stop you from cutting off your nose to spite your face? It's of course within your rights (Freedom of Association and all that) to not patronize the Rialto and exhort those in your ken to do so as well, but I have a funny feeling we'll get along fine without you. Meanwhile, we'll be enjoying the dulcet strains of bands like Megadeth and many hundreds of other artists alongside fellow music lovers who don't have a problem with a person (or venue) exercising their First Amendment rights and other freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the rest of the Constitution. Vaya con dios, random internet dude.
So Hybrdwrstlr you don't say why you are boycotting his venue, is it the building or staff related?
Rachel, you sort of make it sound like the rialto wanted them to just come and do the show anyway, which is not how i read it. there is good precedent for attempting to get organizations who support a cause to actually come and support it. encourage it. defend it. enable it. doesn't this seem like a band that could do that? be with the cause, instead of just click 'no'? i understand the boycott. and there is definitely an interest at stake here, but of course there is. this is happening fast. it is not ok to identify as a business opposed to this law, but still seeking business? the rialto seems to have made it very clear that they understand the decision, and even support it. i don't see what's wrong with them trying to get them to come anyway, in order to help the cause. i, for one, respect greatly our city, our county sheriff, an individual tpd officer, and any business or individual that speaks out - given the risks - against this law that will clearly erode EVERYONES civil rights.
Hybrdwrstlr, while I understand that Mr. Mustaine's politics have changed considerably since his religious conversion, last I heard, he was still quite uneasy about police power. Of course, some of the best known songs of Megadeth's heyday (e.g. "Symphony of Destruction" for one) reflect a left-leaning libertarian or even anarchist point of view. I guess this begs the question: does Megadeth support SB1070, and, if not, will you continue to go to their shows?
I guess it is possible that you never listened to their lyrics. Maybe you are the guy I see around town with a Rage Against the Machine sticker on one side of his bumper and the Rush Limbaugh sticker on the other.
Well, Hybrdwrstlr will also have to leave Arizona after the recent ban on human-animal hybrids. It must hurt that we haven't taken up his banner as well. Hybrdwrstlr, I'm behind you and every mermaid I know.
Well stated, Mr. McCrary. I am in agreement with your well thought-out plan of how Cypress Hill could create an EVEN STRONGER statement against the new immigration law, involving a full-out media blitz, press conference, and press release against the bill; and having 50% of the proceeds from the concert go to Chicanos por la Causa and Humane Borders. This plan of action with Cypress Hill's voice behind it would do much more for Arizona in our fight against the new immigration law.
I have it on good authority that Grupo Fantasma will play on. Here's an excerpt from an email I got from a band representative: "The band is planning on playing their Arizona shows, and realize that the fans who will come to see them are most probably against the legislation. Let's just hope they don't get targeted!"
How sad that the music which once spoke for social commentary is now cowardice and pathetic. If Cypress Hill was the band I supported all these years they would take the stage and use the microphone as a sounding board against injustice. Instead, they hide behind skirts of rest of the whiners who are too weak to take a stand, but instead punish those of us who may not agree with the law but can do little about it on a day to day basis as we struggle to survive in a state that the rest of the country is going to convert into a third world nation to teach us a lesson. Be careful, you may not like the lesson we're learning.
I'm very happy to see the last couple posts here by Darkmahn, ses, dean, and Jim P. I think Curtis McCrary's letter was very well thought out and had alot of good points. Why punish the people of Tucson for a stupid law that none of us signed into law! I would think Cypress Hill should know best that their followers by and large would not support this law, so why punish your fans? There have been many artists over the years, and decades, that use their music as a way of protest, and that is exactly what Cypress Hill should have done. I understand that there were only 2 ways they could go about boycotting the law, either cancel the show or use it as a way to be heard, and they chose the wrong way in my opinion. I'm not the only one that feels this way, obviously. Stay strong Rialto! You did the right thing.
Interesting. If all of you (CYPRESS HILL and any other performers/artists, including the Suns...) are really inclined to think that immigrants in this country ILLEGALLY (i.e. it's ALREADY against the law - read the Federal statute from which SB1070 was taken) is genuinely OK, why do you require TICKETS to get into your shows? Why not let anyone who LIKES YOUR SHOW just come in without going through the conventional process of buying a ticket (kind of like how to be a LEGAL CITIZEN you have to PAY TAXES, etc.)?...
I am sure a huge band like Cypress Hill ...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA... not coming to Arizona is going to make a huge statement. Considering the lyrics of their music, Its obvious they don't care about the law anyways. Arizona is better off without them!
Always nice to know that a tax-supported venue that procliams non-profit status is putting forth an agenda that is opposed by a majority of the county and a vast majority of Arizonanas. Howabout they lose their tax-exempt status?
Its obvious that Doug and his people at the Rialto are in way over their head. Curtis who is running things at the Rialto has no venue management experience. Its obvious the Rialto isnt making any money. Again this goes back to lack of experience on the Rialtos part. They are paying way too much for shows. Charging too much for tickets and the basic costs to put on a show are too high.
The Rio Nuevo Board had better get Doug and his inexperienced staff out of there before they completely run the place in the ground. Every month they are just piling on the debt. The hole gets bigger and bigger. Non-profit doesnt mean lose money.
If the Rialto was making enough money every month to pay the rent or re-invest that money as a credit back into the theatre the Rio Nuevo board wouldnt be coming down on them.
Jim this should answer your question why the Rio Nuevo Board is putting so much effort into going after the Rialto. ITS NOT SUCCESSFUL! Thats the bottom line.
Doug Biggers made alot of promises and commitments when he took over the Rialto. He needs to admit that he hasnt been able to honor by his end of the deal and get out of there!!
Now this $300,000 sound system you speak of. Where is the rest of it? The PA thats its in the Rialto is a 1/3 of that! AT MOST!!
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