Everyone knows that it's important to vote in an election year, but each year it seems like young people are the hardest ones to motivate. Formed nearly 20 years ago, Rock the Vote was started as a way to inform young people about politics through pop culture. The brand sponsors events around the country in an effort to get more people registered to vote.
On Sept. 12, at Tremont Music Hall, a Rock the Vote event organized by Lisa Barr and Kyle Lisenby will be held featuring Alternative Champs, Bruce Hazel and Some Volunteers, Eyes of the Elders, The Lights Fluorescent and 2013 Wolves.
"When all the campaigns began for the 2004 presidential elections, my friend Kyle Lisenby, and I decided that we wanted to try gearing more people in our age group away from being apathetic," says Barr, who has been voting since the 2000 election. "We just wanted to try finding a way to get people excited about having a voice. So, we held a Rock the Vote 2004 concert at Tremont Music Hall in September of that year. The bill consisted of four bands, only one of which is still a band: Math, Job's Method, Baleen, and Calabi Yau."
An event like this is the first for many of the acts on the bill, except for Hazel, who helped organize and performed at a similar concert in 2004. All of the acts were eager to get involved because of the importance of such an event.
"We've been a part of political events before, having played an anti-war rally downtown right after the U.S. went into Iraq," Eyes of the Elders' Uncle Fox says. "It's always great to see Charlotte do anything to make people conscious of the world around them and how their individual choices and voices can affect their community, nation and general well-being."
Barr, who works as the assistant club manager at Tremont, says the bands were selected for their diversity. Most of the acts have not played together on the same bill before, and some have never played Tremont before.
Eyes of the Elders will lean more toward playing politically or socially conscious songs for the event, while The Lights Fluorescent plans on playing a shorter set in support of the cause instead of a showcase for their music.
As for Alternative Champs ... well, you never know what to expect when one of that band's shows comes rolling in. "We are hoping that David Lee Roth might show up because that would be awesome, and also we plan on riding live elephants and donkeys from Lake Wylie all the way up Tryon Street right into the club and up on stage," The Champs' Mike Mitschele says. "Some of this could potentially change though. As far as a theme for the show -- every Champs show has a different theme. We never come up with that until the day of the show."
People will be able to register to vote at the event, as well as have their address changed and receive nonpartisan information about the candidates.
"I think it's a great thing to be able to integrate the music scene with the consciousness scene," says Barr. "How great to have a night of five rockin,' diverse bands and also be able to register to vote and learn about the candidates at the same time? This is a grassroots effort to make eventual big changes by making small steps right now."
Top picks for fall music
Aug. 20: Crowntown Showdown – The Evening Muse – This monthly open-mic competition has been revamped and is sure to bring in the talent. It's based on the Eddie's Attic model and if all goes well, you'll be saying, "I saw them when ..."
Sept. 12: Musiq Soulchild – Amos' Southend – The Philadelphia-based soul crooner swings by the Queen City to sing old cuts and some brand new tunes, too.
Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down, Finger Eleven, Hinder – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – Get out and enjoy one of the summer's last outdoor concerts (until next year). Plenty of rock to satisfy the radio-friendly masses.
Sept. 18: Drive-By Truckers – Amos' Southend – I've never been a huge fan of their sleepy brand of rock, but plenty of others are. The band will cruise into a smaller venue this time around – last year, they were opening for the Allmans.
Oct. 11: Jucifer – The Milestone – Want to see how loud a big wall of speakers can get? Check out this show from the heavy-rocking duo, and be sure to bring your earplugs.
Oct. 23: Galactic – Visulite Theatre – The group made waves last year as they found the perfect combination of jazz and hip-hop. With any luck, they'll showcase both at this show.
Nov. 6, 7: The Black Crowes – Neighborhood Theatre – If you're planning on seeing the Robinson brothers this time around, you better already have tickets. They sold out in no time.
NOTE: There's no doubt that many more great concerts will be announced as the fall continues, so this is only a sample from what has been confirmed.
More music listings
August
SUMMER SOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL Soul food row features all your favorite food and beverages with outdoor live performances as well. No coolers, bottled water, or food allowed inside park. Must be 21 to enter park. Aug. 30. Park opens at 2 p.m. and show starts at 3 p.m. Fran's Park Center, 2600 W. Trade St., (866) 518-3441. www.2thelimitevents.com.
FRANCO DE VITA Popular singer-songwriter in Latin music visits Charlotte to perform after the release of his newest album Mil y Una Historias Live. $39-$99. Aug. 31, 7 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
September
CLASSICS 1: MOZART AND MAHLER Music Director Christof Perick brings his passion for opera to the Charlotte Symphony for an exciting season opener. Soprano Heidi Meier sings brilliant arias from Mozart's comic opera about love and intrigue in a Turkish harem. Mahler's Symphony No. 1, nicknamed the "Titan," brings together the lilt and lyricism of folksong with the orchestral grandeur of the late 19th century. Sept. 12-13, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
TOSCO MUSIC PARTY. Join John Tosco and 20 other acts for an evening of "living room" style music. It's a family event with friends and fellow musicians. Sept. 13, 7 p.m. Tickets $6-$12. Halton Theater, 1208 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534. www.toscomusicparty.com.
FRIENDS OF THE MUSIC AT QUEENS Sept. 13: Loonis McGlohon's "NC Is My Home" with the Rick Bean Trio. $15. 8 p.m. Dana Auditorium, Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2213. www.queens.edu/friendsofmusic.
POPS 1: THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS The Smothers Brothers join the Symphony for timeless tunes and tomfoolery. Sept. 26-27, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
LOLLIPOPS 1: THE LISTENER Maestro Yamamoto has raised his baton, ready to lead the orchestra in exciting and beautiful music. But two troublemakers wander in – a tap-dancing ballerina and a bugle-blowing mime. Together with these zany characters from Magic Circle Mime Company, the audience learns what it really means to listen. Sept. 27, 11 a.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
CELTIC CROSSROADS Critically acclaimed as one of the best live music concerts to come from Ireland in over 20 years. This group consists of seven highly talented multi-instrumentalists who bring Irish music to an entirely new level, by creating a wonderful fusion of musical genres, such as eastern European Gypsy, North American Bluegrass, world Classical, Jazz and the various forms of Celtic music from around Europe. Sept. 27, 8 p.m.; Sept. 28, 3 p.m. $29.50-$39.50. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
October
CLASSICS 2: SCHUMANN PIANO CONCERTO Andrew Grams leads the Charlotte Symphony in a varied program of 19th-century music, including Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture and Dvorák's cheerful Eighth Symphony. Performed by the elegant Argentine pianist Ingrid Fliter, Robert Schumann's beloved piano concerto, from 1845, is a gem of the repertoire. Oct. 3-4, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH LYLE LOVETT AND JOHN HIATT Enjoy a special evening with two of music's most accomplished singer-songwriters, as they perform onstage together for an unforgettable night of acoustic music. Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. $34.50-$64.50. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
SPECIAL: JANE MONHEIT The jazz chanteuse returns to the Charlotte Symphony for a sensual evening of song. Monheit will perform favorites such as Henry Mancini's "Moon River," Johnny Mandel's "A Time for Love," and Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed." $22-$42. Oct. 10, 8 p.m. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.com.
FRIENDS OF THE MUSIC AT QUEENS Oct. 18: La Catrina Quartet. $15. 8 p.m. Dana Auditorium, Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2213. www.queens.edu/friendsofmusic.
POPS 2: THE POINTER SISTERS This season as part of the Pops series, The Pointer Sisters will strut across the stage of Ovens Auditorium to perform pop and R&B hits from their 35-year career, including "Jump," "Automatic," "Fire," and "I'm So Excited." Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
CLASSICS 3: SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE Swiss conductor Thierry Fischer conducts a program of French music both sacred and profane. Gabriel Fauré's Requiem (1888) is a gentle musical expression of the Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead. In contrast, Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique depicts a lovesick artist's opium-inspired hallucinations of murder and witches. Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
November
FRIENDS OF THE MUSIC AT QUEENS Nov. 1: Queens Chamber Players featuring Solaris Wind Quintet and pianist Paul Nitsch. $15. 8 p.m. Dana Auditorium, Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2213. www.queens.edu/friendsofmusic.
POPS 3: BACK TO BOURBON STREET From "Tiger Rag" to "Stardust" to "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," the seven-piece Side Street Strutters Jazz Band, conductor Michael Krajewski, and the Symphony play your favorite Dixieland and Big Band tunes. Nov. 7-8, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
LOLLIPOPS 2: MOZART'S MAGNIFICENT VOYAGE In this father-son story, based on a true event, Karl, Mozart's son, and the audience learn about Mozart's extraordinary life as a traveling prodigy, his pressures from family and fame, and his passion for composing music through a performance of The Magic Flute. Recommended for ages five and up. Nov. 8, 11 a.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
SPECIAL: CSO ON CAMPUS Join Resident Conductor Alan Yamamoto and the Symphony for a fascinating multi-media production! Sight and sound come together as iconic images by Andy Warhol are married to Philip Glass's minimalist masterpiece, String Symphony No. 3. Leonard Bernstein's suite from his sweeping score to the Marlon Brando movie, On the Waterfront, comes to life on screen, with montages from this 1954 film classic. In the midst of the modernism, the Symphony's own concertmaster, Calin Lupanu, injects an exotic gypsy swagger, with Ravel's virtuosic violin showpiece, Tzigane. Nov. 14, Halton Theater, CPCC 8 p.m. Nov. 15, Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College 8 p.m. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
CLASSICS 4: GERSHWIN, MOZART & ADAMS Resident Conductor Alan Yamamoto leads the orchestra in an adventurous program that features Gershwin's Cuban Overture, "Harmony Study" by John Adams and Mozart's elegant piano concerto. Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000; www.charlottesymphony.org.
POPS 4: GEORGE GOES GERSHWIN George Schram conducts George Gershwin's orchestral classics like "An American in Paris" and the ever-popular "Rhapsody in Blue" along with the gems of George's partnership with his brother and lyricist, Ira. Nov. 28-29, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
December
POPS 5: MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Share the enchantment of a musical wonderland as the Charlotte Symphony, caroling choirs, and special guests make the season bright. Alan Yamamoto and Scott Allen Jarrett conducting with Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. Dec. 5-7. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
SPECIAL: MESSIAH First performed in 1742, originally as a musical celebration of Easter, Handel's Messiah, with its stirring solos and choruses, has become a Christmas tradition. This concert by the Oratorio Singers, excellent soloists, and the Symphony is Charlotte's only full performance of this magnificent oratorio. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.