Dave Matthew's and The Obama Endorsement

Dave Matthew’s Band, a huge favorite among people of all ages, has announced that they are going to endorse Obama in the upcoming election. The band has posted an explanatory letter on their website, which was a strong message that supported Obama. In the letter, Dave Matthews calls out our government, and pinpoints “corporate greed”.  He says that policymaking has been affected by this greed, and it has made it impossible for the people of the United States to have any say so in government issues. Dave Matthews believes Obama can bring the country out of this said “political cronyism”.

This endorsement will boost the popularity of Obama greatly. Dave Matthew’s Band is not just a trendy group that will go out of style in the next few months; their fans are normally lifelong ones who follow the band almost religiously. They have been publicly announcing their candidate choice and encouraging concertgoers to vote for Obama. For example, they hosted a free show in Richmond, Virginia that endorsed Obama’s “last chance for change”. In all recent concerts, they had people who walk around getting people that aren’t already registered to vote to register. This means that there are many, MANY people who were and will be influenced by this endorsement in the upcoming election. 

Of course, the band has every right and privilege to endorse the candidate of their choice; however, it is not politically ethical for fans to vote for Obama just because of the endorsement. Dave Matthews gives a respectful, logical reason in order to vote for Obama; but many of their fans are voting for him only because the band asked them too. This is very characteristic of politics these days. Celebrities endorse candidates that they personally advocate, but don’t push their fans to consider the issues. Elections have become a circus where the ringleaders are the candidates and the electorate is the clowns.

Dave Matthews claims that the government is politically corrupt, but they are only worsening it by pushing their fans to vote for Obama when most do not even know what they are voting for. They aren’t doing the wrong thing, because they are getting more people to vote, but they aren’t necessarily doing the right thing either. It is very important that the citizens of the United States vote for the candidates that have their best interests in mind instead of voting for the candidate with the most celebrity endorsements.

 

Umphrey's McGee

Umphrey’s McGee, a band that was formed in 1997, has been receiving a lot of media coverage lately. The musical group is from Chicago, Illinois and the members include: Brendan Bayliss (guitar and vocals), Joell Cummings (keyboards and vocals), Andy Farag (percussions), Kris Myers (drums and vocals), and Ryan Stasik (bass). This band’s music has been called many things, but most categorize them as progressive rock or jam band. Umphrey’s McGee has been touring frequently and tickets can be bought online at ticketmaster.com.

The band began as a collaboration between two different bands. Tashi Station and Stomper Bob was meshed in order to form Umphrey’s McGee. The two bands performed together in Notre Dame and the rest, as they say, was history. Andy Farag, who was not a member of either of these bands, later joined the group. The group came up with the name of the band from a relative of Brendan Bayliss, guitarist, whose name was Humphries. They slightly altered this individual’s name and formed it into Umphrey,s McGee. However, Humphries and another member of the family with the same name may possibly be suing them. Even so, the name is catchy and is very characteristic of the band.

The band’s sound is greatly influenced by progressive rock and jam band music. Their live shows have been compared to that of Grateful Dead and Phish. In fact, Joell Cummings, the keyboardist and also a vocalist, is a huge fan of Phish and was greatly inspired by their music and performances. The band was even a favorite during the 2004 Next-Phish Sweepstakes. Their first album was called Greatest Hits Vol. III and they released it independently in 1998. After came Songs for Older Women and One Fat Sucka came next along with their first DVD. They began to receive quite a lot of attention after the release of next two albums and gained coverage from Rolling Stones and the Washington Post.

The member’s of Umphrey’s McGee have only one goal with their music: to have fun. They try to make their live shows crazy and interesting by daringly playing improvised music onstage. They were also featured on the third annual Jam Cruise, a cruise that features many artists over the course of the trip. This was a very good experience for the band because they got to work with and be around other big artists and producers.

Although the band is not popular on the radio yet, Umphrey’s McGee’s music is fun and upbeat and should be a must have on anyone's playlist. Recently they have begun touring so there are many shows that a fan can buy tickets too.

Songs to Download: Nemo, Intentions Clear

Where It All Starts

Great musicians often blow our minds with their killer voices and expert instrument playing. Although a few artists haven't had voice or instrument lessons, most got started learning from a teacher. These people can be credited for giving many infamous bands their skills and techniques. I thought that it was necessary to give these type of people, our teachers, credit where it's due. I chose to interview Mary Hilley, who has taught many young people in her community to play the piano. Watch the video and see how many of the artists of today wold not have gotten anywhere without the help of their music teachers.

Oprah's Angel Network

  Although my blog is primarily about music, I really want to promote a charity I feel strongly about. I feel that Oprah's Angel Network is making a massive impact in many underprivileged people's lives. The main focus of this organization is to improve communities, education, and basic rights for those who are not already blessed with these things. The Angel Network has reached out to people in America, Africa and Asia. They have built schools and homes and have given many young people a chance for a brighter future. Every child deserves a chance to succeed in life, which is something many of us take for granted. I encourage all of my readers to get involved with making a difference, even if it is with a different organization that the Angel Network. However, if you are interested in getting involved with Oprah's organization you can go online and figure out ways too donate, volunteer, and start a giving circle. Go too: www.oprahsangelnetwork.org. Also, check out my PSA below to learn more about the organization and what you can do.

Nickel Creek

First the Facts

Nickel Creek, a band with an un-named genre, is from southern California and has a fresh and different sound. The band is composed of three people, including mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Sean Watkins, and violinist Sara Watkins. The band's genre has been described as many things such as bluegrass and progressive acoustic. The three members have mastered the blending and integrating of many different genres in order to create their own unique and personal style. The use of the three different instruments gives the members of Nickel Creek a wide range of variety in their sound. the band is not only known for their songs with emotion filled lyrics, but also their fun and extraordinary instrumentals.

Now the Opinions

Although Nickel Creek has stopped recording and touring together for the time being, their music is definitely worth listening too. Their music is easy to relate too, and is a joy to listen too. The three members of the group are super talented and explore a wide range of emotions in their lyrics and sound. Although a fan cannot go to a concert of the band's because they aren't performing anymore, it is still possible to download their music on itunes.  However, if they do begin touring again, their shows are rumored to be amazing and fans should look into purchasing tickets. Their farewell concert was said to be one of the best and below is an interview with a Nickel Creek fan, Kayley Hooks, who attended the event. She gives details of the show, and opinions on the band.

Songs to download: Can't Complain, Helena, Jealous of the Moon, Scotch and Chocolate 

Miley Cyrus- Sweet 16

First the Facts

Miley Cyrus held her sixteenth birthday party on October fifth at Disneyland in California. It was a massive event, attended by many celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and her costars Emily Osment and Cody Linley. Not to mention the entire event was hosted by Tyra Banks. The event included an onstage performance by Miley where she sang four songs. Also performing was her father, Billy Ray, joined by her older sister, Brandi, and rumored boyfriend, Justin Gaston, in a rendition of "Achy Breaky Heart", a country music hit by Billy Ray Cyrus. Although her father warned her to "buckle up" when wishing her a Happy Birthday, Miley has not yet received a car. However, she did receive a Maltipoo puppy which she adores. Other gifts include a Tiffany's necklace from rumored friend/enemy Demi Lovato. 

Now the Opinions

Miley Cyrus's birthday party was over-the-top and definitely Super Sweet Sixteen worthy. Because Disneyland is such a child-friendly venue, it was perfect for Miley and her young fans. Miley is such a good role model for little girls because she maintains her good-girl image and behaves in a way that is befitting her age. That she performed on her birthday shows that Miley is not selfish or spoiled and that she cares a lot about her fans. With the way her career is going now, it is obvious that Miley will have even bigger birthdays to come.

Phish Announces Tour Dates

First The Facts

The rumors about Phish that were flying around earlier this month, written about in a previous blog, have turned out to be true. Phish has indeed gotten back together and announced three concerts. the concerts will be on the sixth, seventh, and eighth of March in 2009 in Hampton, Virginia. The venue will be the Hampton Coliseum and tickets go on sale on ticketmaster.com October 18, 2008.  Their website has promised additional touring for 2009 that will be announced soon. There are a limited number of tickets available, so keep that in mind when looking to buy tickets. 

Now the Opinions

Excitement is in the air as everyone is buzzing about the news that Phish is getting back together. These concerts are going to be a must-see for all Phish fans and tickets are going to be hard to come by. Although the concert is somewhat far, it will be worth the travel and money. Do not worry if the tickets become sold out (which they most likely will) because the touring in 2009 will soon be announced. Phish is an awesome band with incredible sound that is said to have great live performances. Do not miss the opportunity to see Phish in concert because it will be an amazing and unforgettable show.