El Salvador’s 10th Year of Civil War Marked by Speeches, Songs in L.A.

The Scene: The Wiltern Theatre on Sunday, where a program entitled “In the Name of Peace” was held to mark the 10th year of civil war in El Salvador. The afternoon was a program of songs and readings sponsored by El Rescate, the Hollywood Policy Center, the L.A. Weekly, and Medical Aid for El Salvador. A party followed next door at the Atlas Bar and Grill.

The Buzz: The crowd seemed most enthusiastic during speeches by two non-actors, Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic (the subject of the film “Born on the Fourth of July”) and Jennifer Casolo, who was captured and released by the Salvadoran secret police last year. Kovic spoke about his recent trip to East Berlin, while Casolo showed off a souvenir--the blindfold that the police had placed over her eyes.

Who Was There: Master of ceremonies Howard Hesseman introduced musicians Billy Bragg, Jackson Browne, Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Kris Kristofferson and Michelle Shocked. Readings and poetry were presented by actors David Clennon, Robert Foxworth, Michelle Greene, Woody Harrelson, Peter Horton, Esai Morales, Elizabeth Perkins, Charlie Stratton, and Alfre Woodard.

Dress Code: Proletarian casual. Lots of lapel buttons and T-shirts with slogans like “U.S. Out of El Salvador,” “I’m Pro-Choice and I Vote,” and “Lifeguards for Nicaragua.”

Quoted: At the after-party Ron Kovic was still noncommittal when asked if he really intended to challenge Republican Robert Dornan for the congressional seat in Orange County’s 38th District. When asked about the potshots Dornan was already aiming his way, though, he became much less ambiguous. Said Kovic: “I encourage him to say whatever he wants right up to the night of his concession speech. But I’ll be the one with the key to the office in Washington, you know?” Spoken like a man who’s already made up his mind.

Overheard: “Who’s been on stage?” asked one prominent Democratic organizer who was taking a break from the show in the lobby. When informed that it was singer/songwriter Billy Bragg, he moaned: “I can’t keep track of these leftist folk singers anymore.”

Chow: The Atlas provided a buffet that included zucchini, ground beef casserole, wild rice and beans, and a cabbage salad.

Triumphs: Unlike other Hollywood events, guests seemed to pay more than lip service to the causes espoused. Many were Salvadoran themselves, or had traveled there.

Glitches: Lots of folks brought babies and toddlers, apparently assuming that a child would be quiet and well-behaved during three hours of speeches and songs. They were wrong.