Leading voter registration group HeadCount announced today that multi-platinum soul singer Joss Stone will appear at the organization's November 3rd, 2008, "Get out the Vote Party" at the Highline Ballroom in New York City, performing her new song "Governmentalist" and other favorites. The song is also available for free download at www.HeadCount.org beginning today, and through a link emailed to HeadCount's 100,000-person database. It will also be available on Joss Stone's website and later released on her new album, due out next year.
Joss Stone joins an all-star lineup which already includes Robert Randolph, ?uestlove (The Roots) and Stanton Moore (Galactic) among many others at the November 3rd event. The concert will be held on Election Eve and streamed live on the Internet on iClips.net, spreading the "Vote" message to a limitless number of viewers.
Stone was first inspired to write "Governmentalist" in response to criticism she received from a U.K. government official after she spoke out against the poor medical care of Iraq War veterans. The 21-year-old British citizen then decided she wanted make her voice heard in the U.S. election in some way, leading to her involvement with HeadCount. Although unable to vote in this country, Stone is a member of the young demographic that has become increasingly politically active as the election approaches. "Governmentalist" captures the passions of her generation and its desire to hold government accountable.
"The U.S. election really does impact the entire world," said Stone. "While I can't vote in this country, I want to do what I can to inspire others, especially young voters, to make their voices heard. I can't think of a better way to release 'Governmentalist' than to partner with a group like HeadCount that actively encourages voting."
Stone has sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide and won the 2007 Grammy Award for best R&B performance by a Duo or Group. She has appeared on stage with James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Patti Labelle, Mavis Staples, Donna Summer and Smokey Robinson, and performed in front of more than 200,000 people at the Live 8 Concert.
The November 3rd "Get Out the Vote Party" marks a rare New York City appearance for Stone as well as fellow Grammy-nominee Robert Randolph. Only 500 tickets will be sold to the general public for this event, which will serve as a benefit for HeadCount's nonpartisan voter mobilization efforts.
Tickets and more information can be found at www.magichat.net/participation, as Magic Hat Brewing Co. is the presenting sponsor of the event. Absentee ballot applications can also be accessed from that site, as HeadCount is reminding anyone attending the concert from out-of-town to fill out an absentee ballot in advance.
"We're excited to welcome Joss to the long list of musicians who've become involved with HeadCount," said HeadCount co-Chair Marc Brownstein, the bass player of the Disco Biscuits. "Speaking for myself and all the other musicians who are performing, I can tell you we're all excited about sharing the stage with Joss."
The concert will be the final event of HeadCount's year-long campaign to mobilize young voters. The organization worked with artists such as Dave Mathews Band, Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam to register over 100,000 voters this year, staging voter registration campaigns at nearly 1,000 at concerts.
HeadCount is a 501(c)3 non-partisan organization dedicated to registering voters and inspiring participation in democracy through the power of music. Since its inception in 2004, the organization has registered over 150,000 voters. HeadCount's board of directors includes Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, other well-known musicians, and the very top managers, promoters and media publishers in the live music community. More information can be found at www.HeadCount.org.
Joss Stone Official Website
To Register to Vote, and for more information go to:
HeadCount Official Website
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