I decided to take a small break from my usual posts to do something I don’t usually do. This isn’t a sponsored post, but rather an event for something that I’m extremely passionate about, and that involves the dreaded world of politics. Unfortunately, at this point in time, we can’t think of politics as something that only affects the 1%, or what we hear talked about on the news at 11 PM every night. The current issues going on involve every single one of us, and that’s why this election is so important. It goes beyond a topic that is avoided on first dates and family dinners. In fact, it’s something I feel I have to talk about when meeting someone for the first time (if anyone would like to know why I’m still single). This has become a fight for basic human rights, and lives are depending on it. We need change. And this cannot happen unless we go out (or stay in!) and vote.
That is why I’m super excited to talk about #iVoted, a virtual music festival taking place on November 3rd, 2020. During the 2016 election, I stayed out until 4 AM drowning my sorrows in tequila. I’ll probably be doing that again, but this time in the comfort of my home with my girlfriends. My coping mechanisms are going to have to be a bit different this year to social distance, but at least now I can make it into a party while still being in pajamas and saving money on Ubers. This festival-like experience was created to appeal to younger voters, and honestly, it’s needed now more than ever. We are feeling unmotivated and a bit down, but music always helps to lift our spirits, as I highlighted in Hip-Hop and It’s Amazing Ability to Heal and Finding Inspiration in the Unknown. And no, this isn’t just a hip-hop concert. Artists from various genres, ranging from Wes Walker to Young Lyric to 3Oh3! will be helping to put on an incredible show. So fill up a glass, drink from the bottle, I don’t care what you do as long as you’re above drinking age and you aren’t operating a vehicle! During these times of isolation, we need each other. We need art. We need a way to connect while still being safe. It’s been a really hard year for our country and while we all want and deserve a break, this is something we can’t put aside.
This isn’t the first time this event has taken place. You may remember it from the 2018 midterm election with artists like Good Charlotte, Billie Eilish, and Playboi Carti rocking the stage of venues all over the United States. Even Philly’s very own Theatre of the Living Arts, The Foundry, Underground Arts, and Franklin Music Hall participated, opening their doors to voters everywhere. While this year will be a little bit different, it isn’t going to stop the party. If anything, it’s opened things up to a much larger scale, with over 500 artists already confirmed and many many more to come. Voting doesn’t have to be boring. Besides the fact that we can do it from the comfort of our homes, it only takes a few minutes. But now is a time to spend that time uniting for a greater cause. Exercise your right to vote, especially because not everyone can do so.
There are a few ways to gain access to the event:
- RSVP with a selfie of you and your blank or unmarked Main-In Ballot
- RSVP with a selfie of you outside of your polling place
Or if you’re under 18 years old…
- RSVP with a video letting them know what election you’ll be 18 by and why you’re excited to vote
If you’re outside of the United States…
- You will have RSVP access per your geo-location
The RSVP link hasn’t gone live quite as yet, but you can sign up for e-mail updates here.
To find out more about the event, you can check out the website here. You can find all of the details, as well as the confirmed artists thus far. Remember, that list is constantly updating, so keep checking it! We’ve seen artists inspire change. Kendrick reminded us that “we gon’ be alright.” Common reiterated that “it’s for the people.” And just like A Tribe Called Quest exclaimed, “this generation rules the nation.” We need strength in numbers. Now is our time.
If you’re an artist, venue, promoter, or manager that would like to get involved with an #iVoted show, you can reach out through info@c-ent.com
“Historically, artists have been at the forefront of political change. Yet, at the same time, in the modern era I think artists are sometimes told to lay low with their opinions. That certainly changed following the 2016 election with pop artists such as Taylor Swift literally spiking voter registration in her home state of Tennessee by speaking publicly on the 2018 Election/Jim James went far above and beyond last year by touring college campuses and bringing candidates from all parties to speak with students. Whether it’s artists, promoters, or other types of industry folks, we all have a platform. Those who are willing to speak up and use it can have major impact on audiences and communities alike.”
Emily White, Co-Founder of #iVoted
Spice on the Beat 