Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, and Joan Baez are set to headline a major protest festival in the Washington, D.C., area just a month before the midterm elections. The star-studded event aims to combine music with activism, drawing attention to issues of freedom, justice, and equality.
Festival Announcement at Nationals Park
The festival was announced Wednesday during a joint performance by Bruce Springsteen and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello at Nationals Park in Washington. Springsteen is currently concluding his Land of Hope and Dreams American tour, and the announcement came amid a concert focused on political and social issues.
During the performance, Springsteen played several of his most political songs, including “American Skin (41 Shots),” which reflects on a fatal police shooting, and “Streets of Minneapolis,” addressing the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents.
Springsteen condemned what he called “Gestapo tactics” by the current administration, urging the audience to take action themselves.
“This American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people: you. There is no one coming to save us. We’ve got to do it ourselves,” Springsteen told the crowd. He called on Washington audiences to join in fighting for “the America that we love.”
Details of the Power to the People Festival
The one-day festival, named Power to the People, will take place on October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. It will feature two stages and a lineup celebrating “freedom, justice, equality, and rock ’n’ roll.” A portion of all ticket sales will benefit organizations like VoteRiders and HeadCount, groups focused on voter engagement and rights.
Tom Morello described the festival as a celebration of the power that ordinary people have when they come together through music, art, and activism. “We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope,” he said.
Additional Performers and Highlights
In addition to Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, and Joan Baez, the festival will feature performances by Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, and the Linda Lindas. The diverse lineup spans rock, punk, rap, and folk, reflecting a broad spectrum of musical activism.
Springsteen’s Political Stance
Bruce Springsteen has long been critical of President Donald Trump. In response, Trump has publicly called for boycotts of Springsteen’s shows, labeling him a “total loser who spews hate.” At Wednesday’s Nationals Park concert, Springsteen led the crowd in an “ICE out!” chant, encouraging attendees to make their voices heard all the way to the White House.
His comments and music signal a clear call to political engagement and protest in the lead-up to the elections.
