Free Republic

A controversial Spanish version of the US national anthem was given its first live performance at Ellis Island -- the former immigration gateway to the United States. "We chose Ellis Island because of the obvious symbolism it has for the whole American immigrant experience," said New York-based British music producer Adam Kidron. Kidron, 46, provoked a heated debate last month when his recording label, Urban Box Office (UBO), released "Nuestro Himno" (Our Anthem), a Spanish version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" which he hoped would become a rallying song for protest marches against immigration reform. Tuesday's event coincided with the launch...

AL Gore bumped into Avenue magazine editorial director Pamela Gross the other day at the Regency, where she told him his daughter will be on the May cover. Karenna told Avenue that during the Florida recount in 2000, "the rancor was overwhelming at times . . . There was this horrible mob outside the vice president's house that was recruited by political operatives. They just kept yelling, 'Get out of [Dick] Cheney's house.' That was really painful and rude."

A Spanish version of the Star-Spangled Banner Video Posted 4/25/06 NEW YORK - Latino Pop Stars are recording a Spanish-language version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" to show their support for migrant workers in the U.S. The Latino-oriented record label Urban Box Office says it plans to release the recording to coincide with the Senate's debate on immigration legislation next week. UBO President Adam Kidron said the purpose is to show solidarity with undocumented immigrants and what he says is "their quest for basic civil rights." The label says "Nuestro Himno," or "Our Anthem," is set to "rhythmic Latin musical arrangement"...