As more artists drop out of the White House’s Freedom 250 event, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello are leading a protest music festival.
While performing together on Wednesday at Nationals Park in Washington DC, they announced the one-day Power to the People festival will take place Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, celebrating “freedom, justice, equality and rock ’n’ roll,” with a portion of proceeds benefitting VoteRiders and HeadCount.
“The Gestapo tactics of this president and this administration will not stand here,” said Springsteen, according to the Associated Press. “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. So join us and let’s fight for the America that we love. Do you hear me, Washington?”
Morello said in a statement, “It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community and action. We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.”
Taking place a month before the crucial midterm elections, the lineup so far includes Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, Joan Baez, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, the Linda Lindas and more.
Meanwhile, the White House’s Freedom 250 announced its Great American State Fair lineup this week, shortly before Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Morris Day, Young MC and The Commodores dropped out of the June 25-July 10 event, which will take place on DC’s National Mall.
