keaton collective

i love the patriot act… a long time ago, mon frere played a couple of weekend shows with a great band from austin called the boxing lesson. they were a lot of fun to hang with over those two days and a really interesting band with a unique, synth fueled sound and an explosive drummer with a tiny drum kit. well turns out our government has labeled said drummer jake a terrorist for cultivating marijuana.

the Boxing Lesson’s drummer, Jake Mitchell, had been convicted on marijuana charges has been overwhelming and rightfully outraged, but we now have more details on his case and some important corrections to the original press release. Contrary to our initial information, Mitchell was NOT charged under the Patriot Act, and has not been branded a “narco-terrorist.” His appeal against his 60 month sentence and conviction for both manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture over 100 marijuana plants is, however, focused on the questionable tactics by the Austin Police Department in pursuing their sting operation against Mitchell, namely the un-warranted use of drug dogs outside of the house and, as the Chronicle reports today, the controversial policy of the APD using utility information to spot potential illegal operations.

So, to be clear, Mitchell has not been convicted as a narco-terrorist, but his case still very much highlights the expanded and circumspect authority that has been granted in pursuing such convictions, as Mitchell mentions below. Mitchell begins his sentence next Wednesday, and appeal is pending, but you can show your support tonight as Mitchell and the Boxing Lesson play a benefit for Monkeywrench Books at the Carousel Lounge. We spoke to Mitchell yesterday about the situation, and excerpts from that interview are below.

more on the story here

the band is playing some going away shows this week. bummer.