Longtime indie-roots rockers Dispatch stopped in Columbus last night as part of the band’s get out and vote 9-date October AMPlifying Democracy Tour—with hopes to increase overall voter turnout, a press release stated: “the ultimate goal is to promote, engage, and celebrate our democratic process regardless of party lines.”
Led by multi-instrumentalist original members Chadwick Stokes (guitars, vocals) and Brad Corrigan (drums, vocals), it’s only fitting that the Boston-based duo launch such a tour to promote civic engagement, as both Stokes and Corrigan have a history of activism: “launching charitable organizations to fight inequality and mass incarceration, raising funds and awareness for environmental causes, schools and hospitals on the road, and even traveling as far afield as Zimbabwe to work with children and communities in need. Chadwick Stokes’ Calling All Crows joins bands and fans together in collective activism that has raised more than half a million dollars, while Brad Corrigan’s Love Light + Melody helps amplify the stories of children who live in extreme poverty.”
Of course, music was the highlight of the night. In the sense of Dispatch having a jam band style and following, setlists, onstage guests and performance features can often change per show and yesterday was no different.
Collectively on stage with six live members, the band performed classics from their late 90’s pre-hiatus early years as well as songs from when they reformed in 2011 through the present, including tunes from their eighth album and most recent, Break Our Fall, which released in 2021.
Blending reggae and folky blues rock with some ska-ish horns (trumpet, saxophone) makes it tough to label the band with a single particular genre; however, the well-received live mix and fusion of genres was vibrant and healthy, soulful and blissful. During the engaging performance, band members often traded spots and swapped out a variety of instruments.
Earlier, attendees were treated to the angelic vocals of Nashville modern folk singer-songwriter Lizzie No who uniquely incorporated a harp into her live set for a couple songs to compliment her sustained notes. Dispatch live member Will Green performed with an electric guitar alongside No. Holding up a can of seltzer, No told the crowd she hasn’t had a drink in two years and performed a new twangy Americana song as a toast to sobriety.
Early voting ends Sunday, Nov. 3 and in-person Election Day voting is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Ohioans can view their sample ballot here.
DISPATCH (click photos to enlarge)
LIZZIE NO (click photos to enlarge)
Comments
Post a Comment