Tom Morello’s inaugural Power to the People Festival has expanded its lineup with the addition of Nathaniel Rateliff, Stephen Stills, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, State Radio, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian and The Last Internationale. The one-day festival, curated by Morello, is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
The new additions join a previously announced bill that includes Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, grandson, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, The Linda Lindas, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Morello. Jack Black is slated to perform with a young backing group featuring Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma and Hugo Weiss, while artist Shepard Fairey will provide a DJ set.
Though promotional descriptions characterize the event as “a non-partisan celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action”, the lineup heavily features prominent musicians who have consistently used their platforms to challenge government policies. Explaining the ultimate mission behind the upcoming gathering, Morello shared, “The Power to the People festival is about freedom, justice, equality and rock and roll. It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community, and action. We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.”
The festival is planned across two stages and will also feature Freedom Village, an area devoted to civic engagement, grassroots organizing, education, mutual aid and social-impact initiatives. Organizers have described the event as a gathering centered on music, community and collective action. A portion of ticket proceeds, along with all net proceeds from VIP tickets, will benefit VoteRiders, while HeadCount will be on site to assist with voter registration and civic participation.
Tickets for the Oct. 3 event are sold out, but organizers have launched a face-value ticket exchange through CashorTrade for fans seeking to buy or sell tickets without going above face value.
For more information, head to: www.powertothepeoplefest.com.
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