around the coyote : festivals

On November 3, 2006, on the Flame of the Millennium Statue overlooking the Kennedy Expressway, Chicagoan Malachi Ritscher set himself on fire amidst morning rush hour traffic. An outspoken critic of the current U.S Government, specifically the Iraq war, Ritscher left a note near his charred body protesting, “Thou Shall Not Kill.” In his mission statement Ritscher condemned the complacent American attitude claiming “we have become worse than the imagined enemy…more concerned with sports on television and ring-tones on cell-phones than the future of the world.” Deeply moved by his conviction, festival artist Cai Gillis began searching for pieces of Ritscher's life, trying to discover his motivation and uncover his thoughts. She concluded the best way to “meet” Ritscher was to trace his life through photographs. Gillis then burned holes in the negatives to represent not only Ritscher's immolation, but her sacrifice to his memory. You can visit Cai Gillis' festival booth at the Preferred Lofts (1552 N. Milwaukee ) second floor #30.

Around the Coyote would like to dedicate this festival to the memory of Malachi Ritscher. No matter what one may feel politically, Malachi's dedication to the arts in Chicago and the depth of his hopes for a better world should be honored. We are moved by Cai Gillis' project on Ritscher's life and feel it illustrates the best of what art can do. Donations can be made to the Malachi Ritscher Memorial Fund, established by his family, at the Around the Coyote festival ticket tables or through Paypal by clicking
"Donate to Around the Coyote'. If donating online, please specify that your donation is for the Malachi Ritscher Memorial Fund.

Statement from the Ritscher family…
"As a family, we are touched that Around the Coyote would dedicate this festival to our son and brother, Malachi Ritscher. In some ways we know him even better in death, than in life. We have been very touched by the many stories of how he worked to make a difference. He had a vision for humankind that was gentle, peaceful, and enveloping. He was a peace activist and was passionate about human rights and peaceful nations. He was an historian of the experimental jazz scene in Chicago through his recordings. He was a musician and collector of percussion instruments. He was a photographer and writer. He loved books and deep conversations. He was intense and he was lonely. After we had a chance to know more of the intricacies of Malachi's life, our family feels that his passion, instead of a mental illness, led him to make a thoughtful, brave and courageous statement to others to 'wake up'. He was very present in our world. We are proud of him."

Richard C. and Betty Ann Ritscher (parents)

And siblings. . .
Carol Ritscher Wahl
Susan Lentell
Paul Ritscher
Jon Ritscher
Ellen Ritscher Sackett