Images by: Joe Russo
Jam The Vote :: 11.06.16 :: The Capitol Theatre :: Port Chester, NY
An impressive pairing of Matisyahu leading Eric Krasno, Marc Brownstein, DJ Logic, Aaron Dugan, DeShawn Alexander and Walter Harris on a cover of Bob Marley’s “Crazy Baldhead” opened last night’s Jam The Vote concert at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York and set the tone for a unique night of music. The Cap’s owner Peter Shapiro, who put on the concert with HeadCount, then came out to mention the focus of the event which is to use music to get people to vote. Shapiro introduced house band Preservation Hall Jazz Band who were joined by guests galore throughout the marathon concert.
Lee Fields was Pres Hall’s first guest as he fronted the group on his own “Make The World.” The cavalcade of guests continued throughout the night with Amy Helm joining in on “Corrine, Corrina,” Irma Thomas contributing to “You Can Have My Husband,” Sam Cohen and Ivan Neville on “Yes We Can Can” and “Big Chief,” Nicole Atkins belting “When I Get Low, I Get High” and Valerie June’s emotional delivery of “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
The evening’s other main stars The Blind Boys Of Alabama then emerged for a series of songs that included “If I Had A Hammer,” “House Of The Rising Sun” and “Amazing Grace” with Robert Randolph on pedal steel. Pres Hall was then augmented by drummer Joe Russo, Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, DJ Logic and The Meters bassist George Porter Jr. for a killer “People Say.” Next up was Antibalas front man Amayo leading “Iko Iko” featuring Tom Hamilton on guitar and Arcade Fire’s Win Butler on percussion. The action continued with Alex Ebert fronting Kraz and Pres Hall on “Home,” Eugene Hutz belting out “Higher Ground,” Win singing a tender cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” and Craig Finn channeling Elvis Costello on “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Many of the evening’s performers then lent their talents to a gorgeous version of “America The Beautiful” and “In The Morning When I Rise” to bring the momentous concert to its conclusion.
Check out Joe Russo’s photos from the evening followed by pro-shot video:
