It is now history that Barack Obama is the next leader of this free nation. On Nov. 4, 2008, it became abundantly clear that Americans had chosen the “change” that Obama so importunately and earnestly canvassed throughout his campaign.
The youth vote has been widely covered in the media and the Rock the Vote event at 527 Main Street was a perfect example of the youth participation and interest in this year’s election. The Election Night event showcased local talents The Compromise, Hello Spencer, Upside of Envy and The Four Kicks. The idea for the event was spawned by BladeHouse Public Relations and The Compromise in hopes of raising voter awareness and celebrating the power of the vote among young voters, according to Bill Robison, BladeHouse Publicist of The Compromise.
The event pulled in a decent crowd, and the night was abuzz with political chatter among patrons enjoying the musical sounds.
Adam Inman of The Compromise said, “The event really got our point across. The music was a way to get people involved, but the night was more about what was going on in this election.”
The bipartisan event stood true to policy to neither favor nor deny any candidate for the majority of the night. But, as election results and drinks flowed in, it became apparent that the majority of the crowd was pleased with the election outcome.
“We were all witnessing history together that we will one day tell our grandkids about,” said Jordan Bartlett, lead singer of Hello Spencer.
The show’s first band was Upside of Envy, and lead singer Melissa Montgomery can belt out lyrics like nobody’s business. The band has a classic rock style that seemed so versatile as Montgomery and guitarist Nathan Meckel blended harmonies.
Next, The Four Kicks kicked off their set with their song “Shake It Loose.” The Four Kicks were the surprise of the night for me. The Southern/ classic rock style fused with perfect, polished harmonies, and an energetic performance made it evident members brought their A game. It’s probably not the band for those who can’t pull away from heavy metal but hard not to love if you like bands who know what they’re doing onstage.
The Compromise followed The Four Kicks with their catchy tunes entitled “You’re Beautiful I’m Hammered” and “Thou Shall Not Worship False Billy Idols.” Okay, how can you not love that if you have even a tiny sense of humor? The band certainly fits more of a pop rock bill, but it’s so fun, so raw, so nonstop entertaining.
Hello Spencer closed the event with its alternative rock sounds. Talk about dynamic. The stage was bursting with energy from every member of the band. Just watching the band perform is like witnessing a rebellion against everything lethargic.
Dave Bartholomew, manager of Hello Spencer, emphasized, “I was so glad to see passionate people supporting the local music scene and the politics going on in the world.”
