Performing Live Music At The Polls

Across the country, indie musicians from all walks of the industry are performing live at the polls while the masses wait in line to vote. Here, we look at some advice for how to safely and effectively bring your music to the voters.

Guest post by Michael Gallant of the Disc Makers Blog

Around the country, indie musicians of all styles and genres are playing live music at the polls as people wait to vote. Here are some tips for bringing your music to the voters.

As November 3rd approaches, Americans across the continent and political spectrum are lining up to vote. Many are waiting in line for hours and, chances are, equally dense crowds will fill polling places on Election Day.

To support voters — and the democratic process itself — independent musicians are venturing out to play music at the polls and share the experience with voters waiting in line. If you’re interested in adding your own beautiful noise to the mix, here are some tips to help you do it safely and effectively.

Know your purpose

Why do you want to perform in relation to the election? Knowing your exact goal can help you have a positive experience and share your music in an effective way.

Dave Darwin is a veteran circus and street performer who has collaborated with musicians in a variety of election-oriented contexts. In one recent performance, Darwin teamed up with a brass band marching through Philadelphia communities that often report low voter turnout. The performers’ goal? To surprise and delight residents, let them know that early voting was happening, and hand out voting information if requested.

During other performances, Darwin went to early voting sites and sought to entertain voters in line, many of whom seemed exhausted and irritable after having waited for hours.

“Don’t let people walk away from the line and skip voting because they’re bored or fed up,” he says. “If they have to g