There are many of us here who either play music for a living, for fun, or just plain love music. We know how powerful the "Yes We Can" song has been, and there have been countless awesome songs and artists crossing all genres promoting Barack Obama. Right now is a great opportunity for musicians and fans alike to help get out the early vote, and also recruit folks to work on Nov. 4 bringing folks to the polls etc. Press play below the fold and read on...
"FUNKY PRESIDENT"-JAMES BROWN
As I've been touring all over the states this year I've come across far more Obama supporters then McCain ones, that's part of the beauty and the problem with 'tourcanvassing'-most music fans (at least the music I play) are going to be Obama supporters. Not much convincing needed there, but these folks can become valuable volunteers in their communities. Talk to fans at your shows, or shows you attend, and have local office info at the ready so those that have time can go volunteer. It really means a lot to someone who just saw you on stage that you care more to talk to them about electing Obama then the usual post-show banter. We know personal contact is the most effective way to get people hyped enough to volunteer their time.
I suggest contacting local Obama offices in the cities you are playing before you get there. Ask if there are volunteers or staffers who could come work your show. Be prepared with info for the venue/booking agent for where you are playing, so the campaign office can contact them directly. Be prepared to put campaign volunteers on your guest list so they can canvass and GOTV.
1-866-675-2008 is the national office number, they can give you phone numbers for local offices everywhere.
This is especially important for early voting states, having local campaign members working the crowd with polling place info for early voting will back up your shout-outs from stage.
This is festival season still, and thousands of music fans and voters converge all over North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio etc to shake a load off, why not do everything we can to make sure all of them vote for "That One"?
If you don't play an instrument but love music, then you can go see shows for free to promote Obama.
Contact bands/artists you like that are coming to your town, chances are they are Obama supporters. 'Myspacebook' type sites work well, or go through bands' management/booking info from their website. Ask to be placed on the guestlist so you can pass out info and GOTV. Contact local venues and festivals, also good chances whoever you speak to will be an Obama supporter, and its really no big deal to give comp tix to a couple more people.
I truly believe that music is a perfect way to start the conversation about how hard we still need to work to put Obama in office. And it feels so good.
YES WE CAN!!