Rock For Democracy Brings Local Musicians Together for Inaugural Fundraiser Sunday, July 18th

PRESS RELEASE: 
 
Event to Take Place at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry;
All Proceeds will Benefit the Minnesota DFL
  
MINNEAPOLIS – June 30, 2004 – Rock For Democracy, a new organization dedicated to using music to educate voters and raise funds for progressive local and national candidates, will hold its inaugural event Sunday, July 18 at First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry in downtown Minneapolis.  The impressive line up features, members of Golden Smog, the Honeydogs, Ike Reilly Assassination and a number of other artists.  All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Minneosta DFL.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and are valid for both venues.  Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. with music starting at 7:30 p.m.
           
 “We are very excited to hold our first Rock For Democracy event with such an fantastic line-up of artists,” said Ryan Dolan, founding member of Rock For Democracy. “This show is the first of many we have planned in the coming months to support individuals campaigning for office at both the local and national level.  Through additional events in the coming months, we hope to educate voters and encourage people who have not previously participated in politics to get more involved in the extremely important elections this fall, as well as provide financial support to progressive candidates.”

Rock For Democracy’s mission is to educate voters, encourage involvement in the political process and raise money for progressive candidates.  The organization is working with the Kerry Campaign to coordinate their involvement in the event.  In addition, representatives from former Vermont Governor and former presidential candidate Howard Dean are collaborating with the organization to support the show.  America Coming Together will also be present to provide information on voter registration. 

Adam Levy, another founding member of Rock for Democracy and local group the Honeydogs added, “The response from local musicians has been amazing.  Everyone involved knows the stakes are high for the election this year.  I think it is going to be a very exciting event and the cause is extremely important.”

Artists and groups scheduled to perform include members of Golden Smog, Jessy Greene, The Honeydogs, Dana Thompson, The Flops, Iffy, David Poe, Kraig Johnson and the Program, Chan Poling, Sideways, Ike Reilly Assassination, Martin Devaney and Molly Maher. 
 
About Rock For Democracy
 
Founded in the spring of 2004 as a way to influence politics on the local and national level, Rock For Democracy is the brainchild of Ryan Dolan, Adam Levy, Brian Halverson and Craig Grossman.  Its mission is to educate voters, encourage involvement in the political process and raise money for progressive candidates and causes by organizing events that create new ways to bring people of all ages and walks of life into politics by educating and encouraging them to become active in their communities. 

More information can be found at www.rockfordemocracy.org .
 
More....
 
My friend and co-music promoter Craig Grossman of vampmusicsource will be on the Straight Talk network this morning (7/16/04) between 10:30-11:00am to talk about Rock For Democracy. Straight Talk is the local radio affiliate hosting most of the Air America radio network.  You can find it around these parts at both 740AM AND 1530AM on your leftist dial.