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Politics & Government

Local Musicians Organize to 'Rock Out the Vote'

Organizers hope to increase voter turnout for this year's local and state elections.

A number of local bands are hoping to encourage voter participation in this year’s election by performing for the community Sunday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Windmill Pavilion and Fields, on Windmill Drive.

A group of musicians planned Rock Out the Vote 2011 to support their candidate for Ashburn District supervisor, but it has evolved an open, family-friendly and nonpartisan event.

Bill Pappas, one of the guitarists with Dead Cat Bounce the goal is to improve awareness about local elections.

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“People are caught up in the struggles of day to day life,” Pappas said. “They have their work, their family, their bills. These are the things that consume one's daily life. Most don't have the time to focus on political issues, especially local politics. Yet it is precisely local politics that most directly and instantly impact their lives.”

Local government decisions determine how communities are developed, how schools are funded and how much we pay in real estate taxes.

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“These events help to empower the people,” Pappas said. “I am honored to play a small part in presenting this event.”

Live music, cotton candy, Frisbees and information about local candidates will be on hand. Residents will be able to register to vote, find their polling locations, arrange for a ride to the polls if needed, and request an absentee ballot.

The bands include BigFoot, Dead Cat Bounce, NRBK with Heather Haze, Sytuation, Carol Gaylor and Bruce Katsu. Also performing are Bach2Rock Lansdowne House Bands Phantom Lightning and Major Bacon, and Ann Todaro.

“More than ever we need to get people to the polls – and it starts at the local level,” said Marc Zoellner, who plays drums and sings for BigFoot. “We need to vote in order to invoke change to the dynamics of our political culture and provide support for those politicians who will put the interests of the people ahead of their own interests, and leaders who will work across the aisle to solve problems.”

Participating vendors include , Academy Boosters and Kona Ice.

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