Just back from actions in Barcelona, Spain, Reverand Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping have fought Starbucks, Disney and Walmart in support of independent businesses and the survival of our neighborhoods.

The Church performed on Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz on Tuesday, April 20. Church was held at Borders, the GAP, Starbucks, and Urban Outfitters.

Reverend Billy and the Stop Big Boxes Gospel Choir are on a singing and preaching tour from L.A. to Humboldt County April 16 to 24, performing for citizens, activist groups and union locals who are resisting the predatory influx of transnational chain stores.

Some performances take place in theaters, others are “retail interventions� – unannounced, unpermitted appearances that take place in “contested space� supercenter lobbies, sweatshop dressing rooms and strip mall parking lots. Throughout its seven year existence the OBIE-winning Church of Stop Shopping has fought Starbucks, Disney, Walmart (to name a few) promoting independent businesses and gift, thrift and barter economies; encouraging the survival of our neighborhoods; and giving a voice to countless sweatshop workers worldwide.

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Audio: Rockin' the Boat: Reverend Billy Preaches in Santa Cruz

coverage of Reverend Billy in Los Angeles: Reverend Billy Challenges Corporatism