Poll-Dancing - A Rock the Vote-Inspired Event
By Sarah Laubacher - 9/30/2003
Four prominent local bands join pop-culture/political figure Jerry Springer at the Blue Gator this Thursday, Oct. 2, for a Rock-the-Vote-like rally that the College Dems are calling "Poll Dancing: Take Off Your Chads."
Springer will emcee the event and is expected to focus more on promoting voter participation than projecting specific political views. Though he pulled his name from the 2004 senatorial race, he is continuing his involvement in Ohio politics in hopes of raising general voter awareness.
The OU College Democrats are sponsoring the event, but president Toby Fallsgraff said, "We're here to register students to vote, not just democrats."
Tables will be set up for easy voter registration and for photo ops with Jerry, of course. Fallsgraff said to arrive at 8 p.m. for a guaranteed Springer-sighting. It's uncertain exactly what he'll say or how long he'll stay, but he has been known to sing at similar events.
Luckily there is a more substantial music line-up planned - expect everything from a stripped-down Stones-based song, to its electronic-laden prog-ballad foil.
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Cosigner kicks off the show with some material from their album "Center Rise Solo," which is currently available in stores. Their "eccentric" pop treats a Beach Boys vibe with an early 90s indie-aesthetic - ending up with a collection of accessible, yet intelligent, originals.
The Story Of is slated for second, and should be flying high from their CD release party last Saturday. "Trust in Amanita," their follow-up to the EP "The Ergots of Rye," is now available in stores. Bassist Jeremy Gordon said the album adds an "introspective" slant to the band's synth-based, arty anthems.
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Third up is Planet 12, whose "danceable modern rock" has taken a turn toward enraged as of late. Frontwoman Jodi Toledo's vocals have developed a notably angrier tone for most of their new material. Even so, guitarist Matt Toledo considers the band's style to fall somewhere between the heaviness of The Story Of and the retro-influenced rock of the show's closing act.
Kim Casio wraps things up with some high-energy rock originals. The four-piece includes members from Southeast Engine, the Campus Stranglers and frontman Chris Monday, whose stage presence grows more frenzied and fun with each show.
The show really will start at 8 p.m., the cover charge is $3 for everyone, and early birds get chips and salsa.
