A Night of Ferocious Joy

"The greatest Americans have not been born yet," pronounces poet Saul Williams on A Night of Ferocious Joy, adding that "they are waiting patiently for the past to die." Taped on Mother's Day in 2002, this live event in Hollywood protesting America's "War on Terror" that followed the 9/11 attacks features a group of musicians, poets, and hip-hop artists, who gathered at the historic Palace Theater to denounce George W. Bush's then-evolving war strategy and the more repressive aspects of the Patriot Act. Performers include singer-rapper Mystic, whose "Not in Our Name" rallies the crowd; the aforementioned Williams; Ozomatli's powerful rock-and-rap, augmented by stirring bells; the admonishments of Blackalicious to "read between the lines and question authority"; The Great Voices of Ugmaa, a jazz choral group who appeal to Jamaica for strength; and Hassan Hakmoun, whose hypnotic, African-inspired sound is unfortunately interrupted to accommodate backstage interviews. DVD extras here include a panel discussion revolving around freedoms in the U.S. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)