Playing behind a Palestinian flag draped inside the Blue Galaxy, Fujirockers founder Koichi “Hana-G” Hanufsa delivered one of the opening DJ sets at Blue Galaxy on the first day of the festival.

The set was not a dance mix but a specially curated selection to bring attention to the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people in the yearlong war. Music has a vital role in many protest movements, stretching back to Woodstock and beyond.

Given the theme of Hana-G’s set, the first track just had to be Edwin Starr’s “War.” He followed the track with. Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning” and Sly and the Family Stone playing “I Want to Take You Higher.”

This was followed by another similar anthem of the 60’s, Patty Smyth’s “People Have the Power,” and then “Power to the People” by John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. This was followed by the hymns of another peace warrior, Bob Marley and the Wailers, with “War.”

Each of these artists contributed to the counterculture, which inspired many to think and act during critical periods of history. Thanks to the contribution of these artists, we have more awareness of areas of political conflict.