Las Vegas Weekly

Reproductive rock with Pan de Sal

“When I say ‘Pan de’ you say ‘Sal!’”

Photo: Corlene Byrd

If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution. Pan de Sal is chanting this altered version of a quote by 20th-century anarchist Emma Goldman onstage to a modest crowd shaking tambourines in unison. A young girl, nowhere near old enough to enter the bar portion of Jackson’s Bar & Grill, joins them to dance as best she can to the trio’s experimental world beat. Behind them a poster reads, “Rock for Roe” in bold pink-and-black lettering.

Photo: Corlene Byrd

"If I can't dance, it's not my revolution."

This is no clash of ideals. It’s Planned Parenthood of Southern Nevada’s celebration of the 37th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case legalizing abortion. Coordinator Annette Magnus reminds that the case is not about rejecting children, just the ability to choose when you want one. It needs broad-base support, so a sports bar is as good a venue as any. As for Pan de Sal, their setlist of songs about human trafficking, a world without borders and solidarity makes them a perfect fit for the progressive nonprofit organization.

Jeff Madlambayan walks among the crowd, wireless mic in hand. “When I say ‘Pan de’ you say ‘Sal,’” he chimes, demanding crowd participation. Then, he improvises. “When I say, ‘Reproductive rights’ you say ...” he trails off, the extra syllables throwing his rhythm. “Okay. That doesn’t work.”

He laughs—as with dancing, if you can’t laugh, there’s no point to a revolution. Magnus stresses that in addition to raising money (they brought in a grand), spreading awareness and showcasing the talent of local bands featuring females, she also wanted this event to be fun.

Seems she succeeded. Emma would be proud.