The Journal

Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Jennifer Wenger Spoken-word artist Alix Olson stuns Webster's audience during her poem, "My relationship with my country," where she describes her relationship with America as being immature, self-absorbed and ultimately destructive. Olson performed Nov. 8 at Webster's UC Sunnen Lounge, sponsored by a number of Webster's organizations.

For the second time in two months, the University Center Sunnen Lounge played host to a bold, female spoken-word artist.

"People need to know that it's OK to be pissed off," said Alix Olson, encouraging the crowd of students and community members to fight for their rights. Olson performed to a crowd of approximately 120 people Nov. 8.

"If you have the resources or tools - aka a college campus - it's your responsibility to help and to seek community," continued Olson, who was billed on her Web site as "one part peace vigil, one part protest rally and one part joyful raucous concert."

Olson's left-leaning subject matter galvanized the crowd, who filled the packed room and responded with yelling, screaming and an overall boisterous attitude. The topics of the night included women's rights, gender equality and gay and lesbian issues.

Olson said she feels one important aspect of her work is to show that anger and humor can work together. To illustrate this, Olson sarcastically called President George W. Bush "cute" and a "sweet little monkey" - clearly indicative to the audience of her dislike of the criticized president.

In addition, Olson's act, which followed the Sept. 27 performance of activist-poet Andrea Gibson, opened with a set by local guitarist Summer Osborne, who had themes similar to Olson.

"George W. might think we're crazy in the head, but he'll be eating his words when his daughter is in my bed," Osborne said.

During Osborne's performance, she said, "You've got to pick your battles, not start the whole damn war."

Osborne, originally from Illinois, has been performing for about two years. She said she is hoping to branch out and start playing at more gay and lesbian bars and clubs.

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