Singer/songwriter and political activist Jill Sobule likes being on the Spitfire Tour because she can see what makes other artists/activists tick.
"I've done Spitfire on and off for the last few years," Sobule said during a cell-phone interview from the campus of Notre Dame University. "Everyone speaks about different political topics that are important to them. And I enjoy hearing how their brains work."
The Spitfire Tour — a symposium where musicians and artists can speak out on global affairs — will be in Kingsbury Hall on Thursday, Sept. 19. Discussions will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 at the Kingsbury Hall box office and all ArtTix outlets or may be purchased by calling 355-ARTS (2787).
This year's speakers will feature Sobule, former Dead Kennedys lead singer Jello Biafra, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and activist Julia "Butterfly" Hill.
"I'm not sure how I got involved with Spitfire," Sobule confessed. "Somehow or another my manager was contacted and I ended up doing it. It was very stimulating, and I was impressed with the intelligence of those who are involved."
Biafra usually tackles the topic of First Amendment rights, Novoselic — founder of the Joint Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee — expresses the importance of the public's involvement with politics and Hill is into environmental conservation.
As for Sobule, who had a hit in 1995 with the catchy and lyrically provocative "I Kissed a Girl," addresses the issue of gay and lesbian rights. "Everyone does their thing, and it's so cool," she said. "And then there's me. And I do pretty much the same thing I do when I'm playing a musical gig. Because during my musical shows, I talk a lot."
Sobule's 20-minute segment is basically words that come from her soul, she said. "It's really a stream of consciousness. I sing lyrics I've written and make comments on what they mean."
As a child, Sobule was fascinated by activism and politics. "Growing up, I was an activist," she said. "I liked getting involved with protests. I thought it was important, and I thought it was good for a citizen to do things like that if there was something that needed to be addressed.
"To me, Spitfire is an extension to that. And the fact that it's held on university campuses makes it that much more important to me. We're addressing issues in an academic facility where people are there to gain wisdom and knowledge. And we do get into a some very stimulating discussions."
E-MAIL: scott@desnews.com