Top Five Things to Do for LaborFest

The labor movement: Without it there would be no weekend, lunch break, or vacation. Heck, a whole bunch of us would be missing limbs if someone hadn't fought for our right to keep them. So the wide-ranging annual art, film, theater, politics, and etc. festival LaborFest 2011 pays tribute to those who brought us the labor rights we appreciate today.

As the festival nears, it can be hard to decide what to see or where to go. With more than 50 events going on through the month of July, you may feel mildly overwhelmed.

So here are five starter events for the radical awesomeness that is LaborFest:

"The Trial of Harry Bridges and Chinese Immigration at Angel Island"

Bridges leaving jail.

​
ILWU historian Harvey Schwartz gives the play-by-play on the deportation of Harry Bridges. Ironworker Mike Daly will also be there to explain the importance of this island: It's a good idea to visit Angel Island, which used to be known as "the Ellis Island of the West," at least once in your life, and going directly to the island is bound to give you chills. Some of us just can't believe it til we see it, and trust us, once you see it, you may feel differently about our immigration practices.
Musical theater!