Columbia, Md. (AP) — In the heart of Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., Bruce Springsteen and other musical icons took to the stage with a clear message: “Let them hear you in Washington.” This call to action resonated as Springsteen headlined the inaugural “Power to the People” protest festival at Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion. Organized by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, the festival was dedicated to celebrating “peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action,” while also promoting voter turnout.
The festival aimed to impact the upcoming midterm elections, with part of the ticket sales benefiting organizations like VoteRiders and HeadCount. As part of their performances, many artists voiced their concerns regarding recent U.S. government actions. Springsteen’s set included “Streets of Minneapolis,” a poignant response to the deaths of immigration agents’ victims, where he expressed solidarity with the community’s resilience.
Joan Baez joined Springsteen for a rendition of “Chimes of Freedom,” and later, together with Morello, Dave Matthews, and Nathaniel Rateliff, they performed “Fortunate Son.” Spectators actively participated as well, donning shirts with messages like “Immigrants Make America Great” and “No Kings,” contributing to the atmosphere of activism.
The festival’s origins trace back to the announcement in May, emerging as a bold response to several artists withdrawing from the “Great American State Fair” due to its association with former President Trump. “Power to the People” sought to provide a direct counter-narrative, featuring a diverse lineup including Dropkick Murphys and Killer Mike, and coinciding strategically with the midterm elections.
Messages about civic responsibility flourished throughout the event. Killer Mike encouraged attendees to vote and hold elected officials accountable, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Other performers, like Grandson, highlighted political discontent through their music, reinforcing the festival’s message.
Surprised fans witnessed eclectic performances, including Jack Black’s tribute to Ozzy Osbourne as “Jack Sabbath,” further enlivening the atmosphere. The festival concluded with a communal rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” and John Lennon’s “Power to the People,” symbolizing unity and shared hopes for justice.
Evangeline Topete, a young attendee, articulated the mission of the gathering well, stating, “Rock ‘n’ roll can save us. And so can giving the power where it belongs: to the people!” The festival not only entertained but also galvanized action and community spirit, making a significant statement in an era of political turbulence.
