What was all the fuss about? After weeks of controversy, excitement and political stipulations, the Vote for Change tour stopped in Madison and continued on. A mild buzz surrounded the campus during the show’s approach: Will conservatives go? Are members of media “allowed” to go or will that show bias? What will we do? This concert full of crazy liberals and Bush haters is crashing Madison!
As a member of Madison media and a music enthusiast, I trekked it the two blocks for an evening at the Kohl Center with press credentials. I wanted to see first-hand what would go down. What would tomorrow’s headlines be? I re-emerged after five and a half hours glowing from an excellent night of music, not a better understanding of who I should vote for. Where was the riotous political discourse? Where was the Bush bashing, Kerry supporting, Nader ripping dialogue? I’m disappointed! Don’t get me wrong … it was a typical concert, and a stellar one at that.
But aside from one three-sentence bit by Dave Matthews, political speak was practically absent from the event. Dave started out non-partisan stressing the need to vote and quickly segued into this nation’s need for change, which he believes will come in the form of a certain candidate by the name of John Kerry. Applause and cheers engulfed the room with a few isolated boos and the music continued. And this was what we were stressing over? Hell, this is Madison. We are used to Kerry cheers and Bush boos.
In more than 10 years of attending concerts, I have seen and heard worse plugs for politicos and musician pet projects. Every Coldplay show I’ve seen has showcased lead singer Chris Martin shamelessly stressing “Make Trade Fair” scribing it in marker on his hand, and strategically planning the camera shot at his hands while playing the piano during “Clocks” or something along those lines. And you can’t forget his inspirational spiels. The fair trade folks are often at the shows passing out brochures as well.
Bono also usually has a word or two during U2 shows for his latest cause. Four years ago, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Veder stood on Alpine Valley’s stage spewing voting messages. And just last week Ani DiFranco graced Madison’s Overture Center with her own political words. It’s plain and simple, perfectly normal for musicians to be opinionated, have causes, and vocalize these causes.
Supporting America Coming Together and moveon.org, My Morning Jacket, Jurassic 5, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, and the Dave Matthews Band performed free of charge. ACT was at the show in full force with student volunteers passing out little pieces of colored paper encouraging students to work on Election Day and “help defeat the radical right wing agenda.” Now this is what I’m talking about.
J5 gave a non-partisan word or two before “Freedom,” saying in a nutshell, “I’m pointing a finger at you — Vote!” No anti-Bush sentiment spewed there … it was just a plea for us youngens to make it to the polls; harmless enough if you ask me.
And the show was harmless fun as a whole. I was there for the music and a good political buzz. I left with a glow from the music, but trust me kids, this was nothing to stress over. While money may have flowed in one direction (which it always does), it was a concert with a cause, and as a guess I’d say the majority of attendees were not there for the political message, but for the music. I’m sure many didn’t even know there was a partisan theme before attending.
On the one hand, I applaud the musicians for keeping it low-key and delivering what we love them for — their music. On the other hand, this was a political fundraiser and thus a little political speak would have made for entertainment. Keeping political preferences aside, I’ll continue the broader message: get out and vote and yes, vote for change. (wink, wink).
Cristina Daglas ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in journalism.
