It can’t be overstated:
Right now, it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment for democracy in America. The election
happens just over a month from today, and during the leadup we all need to do
whatever we can to get our fellow citizens to the polls. To help with the
effort, on October 4, the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) will host Hudson
Valley Votes, an all-star concert and rally.
Hosting the event—whose goal
is “to motivate citizens from Ulster County and the surrounding areas to
volunteer to turn-out-the-vote for both national and local races on November 5”—are
political and social activist and actor Thomas Sadoski, Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn
Grody, and other special guests. Musicians and artists scheduled to perform include
Natalie Merchant, Jack DeJohnette, Gail Ann Dorsey, the Felice Brothers, Amy
Helm, Nels Cline, Lance Horne, Steven Bernstein, the Resistance Revival Chorus, students from the Rock
Academy, and Energy Dance Company, and more, while the speakers for the evening are
New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Congress Member Pat Ryan
(NY-18), New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-41), Assemblymember
Sarahana Shrestha (NY-103), and Josh Riley (candidate for Congress, NY-19).
“What makes Hudson Valley
Votes so special is how it brings together the arts and politics, reflecting
the strength and creativity of our community,” says Michelle Hinchey. “From
making housing more affordable to protecting reproductive rights, this event
shows how we can come together to create real, positive change. This election
is one of historic importance—from electing leaders like Harris and Walz, to
winning back the House, to securing the Equal Rights Amendment. We need to make
sure every person exercises their right to vote. I’m excited to be part of this
moment and to continue fighting for a brighter, more equitable future for all
of us.”
Sponsored by Dayglo
Presents, the Hudson Valley Votes rally and concert will take place at UPAC in
Kingston on October 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $36-$206. More information can be
found at the Bardavon Presents website.
This article appears in September 2024.
