KatsüK Performs Texas' First Symbolic Same Sex Marriage - April 12th, 2013
As the technological revolution continues to shape our society, the changing face of media outlets is making the silencing of individual voices more and more challenging. Voices that were once rendered inaudible are now being heard, and it is becoming obvious that these voices’ so called “radical opinions” may not be as radical as the powers that be would have society believe. Civil rights issues such as Marriage Right’s, Property Rights and Women’s Rights are being brought to the forefront of sociopolitical discussion, and the overdue attention finally given to these issues proves that now is the time to question what society has dictated to us, the individual. A clear example was showcased in Ft. Worth Texas, when local band KatsüK performed the first symbolic same sex marriage in Texas.
The evening of April 12th began as any other in downtown Ft Worth, people were preparing for a night on the town in celebration of the completion of yet another work week. As the evening faded to night, the streets became busy with the hustle and bustle of locals, dressed in regional “Cowboy Chic” fashions. Meanwhile local band KatsüK was decorating the inside of The Grotto in preparation of the marriage ceremony to be performed along with live music that evening. Along with the flowers, décor and carefully planned set list, the band was preparing for another possible yet less pleasant element, protesters.
Nestled in the Bible Belt, Texas has been an unwavering red state for many, many years, and serves as a mecca for the most conservative individuals. While the state may consistently vote red, the members of KatsüK and many other Texan’s aren’t so sure the vote reflects the opinion of the younger adult generation. Nevertheless, as the band was due to marry two men in a few hours, they wanted to make sure that in the event protestors arrived, all involved in the ceremony were ready to handle the situation gracefully, keeping the intentions of the evening intact.
As he carefully positioned a vase of blue and pink carnations, Daniel Katsük explained, “The changes in what society is no longer willing to accept and be told to strive for are blatantly evident in the caliber of bands emerging in the music scene today, with poignant, provocative and fervently relative missions regarding the challenges facing the modern world. Simply put, America is tired of having their beliefs dictated to them by outdated thought processes and conventions that ultimately lead back to a thinly veiled “Higher Socioeconomic Power” that lacks consideration of the individual and their rights.”
The evening began with a song, “The Rainbow Connection.” The marriage ceremony was then performed by lead singer and ordained minister Daniel Katsük. Following the reading of the vows, the newlywed couple exchanged rings and kissed. The crowd erupted in joyous cheers. The band then proceeded to play their set in dedication to the newlywed couple. Not a soul protested.
The Dallas Observer had this to say: “Courageously this group brings the issues forward in a manner that is tribal pop, earth punk, radio ready and nothing like you have ever heard before, yet feels like home. “
The events that took place that night were more than just a “first” in terms of questioning what is right and wrong in terms of marriage rights, but truly groundbreaking in that KatsüK, true to their name, which roughly translates in Seminole as “the Center of Creation,” is serving as a leader in the quest to creating a society that exists as a safe haven for individuals wanting to live in and help create a world of love, compassion and understanding.
The evening of April 12th began as any other in downtown Ft Worth, people were preparing for a night on the town in celebration of the completion of yet another work week. As the evening faded to night, the streets became busy with the hustle and bustle of locals, dressed in regional “Cowboy Chic” fashions. Meanwhile local band KatsüK was decorating the inside of The Grotto in preparation of the marriage ceremony to be performed along with live music that evening. Along with the flowers, décor and carefully planned set list, the band was preparing for another possible yet less pleasant element, protesters.
Nestled in the Bible Belt, Texas has been an unwavering red state for many, many years, and serves as a mecca for the most conservative individuals. While the state may consistently vote red, the members of KatsüK and many other Texan’s aren’t so sure the vote reflects the opinion of the younger adult generation. Nevertheless, as the band was due to marry two men in a few hours, they wanted to make sure that in the event protestors arrived, all involved in the ceremony were ready to handle the situation gracefully, keeping the intentions of the evening intact.
As he carefully positioned a vase of blue and pink carnations, Daniel Katsük explained, “The changes in what society is no longer willing to accept and be told to strive for are blatantly evident in the caliber of bands emerging in the music scene today, with poignant, provocative and fervently relative missions regarding the challenges facing the modern world. Simply put, America is tired of having their beliefs dictated to them by outdated thought processes and conventions that ultimately lead back to a thinly veiled “Higher Socioeconomic Power” that lacks consideration of the individual and their rights.”
The evening began with a song, “The Rainbow Connection.” The marriage ceremony was then performed by lead singer and ordained minister Daniel Katsük. Following the reading of the vows, the newlywed couple exchanged rings and kissed. The crowd erupted in joyous cheers. The band then proceeded to play their set in dedication to the newlywed couple. Not a soul protested.
The Dallas Observer had this to say: “Courageously this group brings the issues forward in a manner that is tribal pop, earth punk, radio ready and nothing like you have ever heard before, yet feels like home. “
The events that took place that night were more than just a “first” in terms of questioning what is right and wrong in terms of marriage rights, but truly groundbreaking in that KatsüK, true to their name, which roughly translates in Seminole as “the Center of Creation,” is serving as a leader in the quest to creating a society that exists as a safe haven for individuals wanting to live in and help create a world of love, compassion and understanding.