July 05, 2016
Have you heard the wonderful news that Snoop Dogg will headline a super-PAC-hosted “unity party” when the Democratic National Convention comes to town later this month? Great.
The announcement came on the heels of word that Lady Gaga, Lenny Kravitz and DJ Jazzy Jeff would also headline a DNC-related show over in Camden (an event for which PhillyVoice is the official media partner, no less.)
Those should be fun, for sure. But, those announcements got me to thinking about other acts who could accentuate the revelry in the 215 (267/610/856/609) come late July. So, I did what all writers do in such situations: I wrote a listicle about it.
These 10 performers fall into that category, but I invite you to please add some of your own via the comments here, on Facebook or via Twitter. Who knows, if we get enough of them, we’ll send them over to the host committee in the hopes that they could turn these fanciful wishes into realities?!
1. Katy Perry: Full disclosure: I'm a KatyCat. Now that we got that out of the way, it bears mention that Ms. Perry has performed in Philly before, going so far as hit the Rocky Steps after a 2014 concert to meet fans while wearing a pepperoni-pizza styled onesie. She’s also a staunch Hillary supporter who held a concert in Iowa to support her preferred candidate. As such, she is a natural fit. (Applicable songs: “Roar” and “Firework”)
2. Kanye West: Another Clinton supporter, Ye is familiar with the city as well, having dropped a stellar set at the 2014 Made In America show on the Ben Franklin Parkway. In fact, he killed it that night. Sure, Mr. Kim Kardashian is a divisive figure, but he’s one helluva performer. (Applicable songs: "Power" and “Stronger”)
3. Run the Jewels: This rap duo — consisting of Killer Mike and El-P — is outspoken in its political views, and the former (real name: Michael Render) was a pre-eminent surrogate out on the campaign trail for Bernie Sanders. You want to mend the party rifts, you can start by putting RTJ on the stage. You want it to have some edge? Bring former Rage Against the Machine frontman Zach de la Rocha along for a live version of “Close Your Eyes.” You don’t want it to have some edge? Well, these ain’t your guys then. But they should be. Because theirs is a powerful message akin to Public Enemy which cleared the path upon with RTJ stomps. (Applicable songs: “Lie, Cheat, Steal” and “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry”)
4. Elton John: This Hillary supporter would appeal to the type of audience that might be wary of checking out Snoop, Ye or RTJ. Plus, he could dive into Donald Trump’s support of Brexit should he choose to do so. (Applicable songs: "Border Song" and “Philadelphia Freedom”)
5. Beyoncé: Because she’s Beyoncé. (Applicable songs: “Déjà Vu” and "Run the World")
6. Cher: Because she’s Cher. (Applicable songs: “I Got You Babe” and "Believe")
7. Pharrell Williams: Pharrell would offer a whimsical escape from the wariness about what form protests will take place surrounding the DNC. (Applicable song: "Freedom" and “Happy”)
8. Phish: Fans of this Bernie-backing band already kicked $1,500 in for a music-education program at a South Philly school. Why not reward their kindness with a set in this big DNC gig? (Applicable songs: “Bouncing Around the Room” and “Scent of a Mule”)
9. Kelly Clarkson: She sang at President Obama’s second inauguration.
One of her songs appears on Hillary’s Spotify playlist. Seems like a perfect match (and a little touch of countryish-pop to blend into the show). Heck, maybe she could even invite local-ish "American Idol" co-star Justin Guarini up on stage for a song? (Applicable songs: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and “My Life Would Suck Without You”)
10. Ted Nugent: Because how much fun would it be to see that unhinged maniac spout off all stream-of-consciousness before a sea of Hillary supporters? A lot of fun, that’s how much. And I could only imagine the tweets from Donald Trump when he gets wind of his big supporter valuing a cash grab over staying true to his beliefs, whatever they might be on any given day. Of the 10 aforementioned acts, this is the one I want to see in Philly most this month. Please, somebody, anybody make this happen. (Applicable song: “Stranglehold”)
