Hudson Valley Votes Concert & Rally Set

KINGSTON – The highly anticipated Hudson Valley Votes 2024 Concert & Rally will take place on Friday, October 4th at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, NY.

This dynamic event aims to motivate voters across the region to volunteer and participate in get-out-the-vote efforts leading up to the election. The evening will feature performances, speeches from local leaders, and appearances by notable celebrities, all united in a shared goal of encouraging civic engagement. “I’m incredibly proud to be part of a large and varied community of artists, here in the Hudson Valley, who are willing to show up when it matters…and this election really matters. With this rally, we’re doing all we can to put our Democratic candidates in the spotlight and amplify what they have to say,” said Natalie Merchant. The event is being organized by the grassroots collective Hudson Valley Votes (Hudson Valley Votes) with production support from political advocacy organization The Hometown Project (The Hometown Project).

Event Details:
· Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
· Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC), 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
· Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Show Begins: 7:30 PM
· Capacity: 1,500
· Tickets: Available at www.hudsonvalleyvotes.com
· Beneficiary: Planned Parenthood of Greater NY
Special Guests Include:
· Actors: Thomas Sadoski, Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody and special guests.
· Musicians: Natalie Merchant, Jack DeJohnette, Gail Ann Dorsey, Resistance Revival Chorus, The Felice Brothers, Amy Helm, and more
· Politicians: NY Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18), State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-41), State Senator James Skoufis (SD-42), Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha AD-103, Assembly Member Didi Barrett (AD-106)
· Candidates: Congressional Candidate Josh Riley (NY-19), Yvette Valdés-Smith (State Senate SD-39). Michelle Frazier (State Senate SD-51), Janet Tweed (Assembly AD-102)

In addition to high-profile performances and political appearances, the event will focus on important local races. Local elected officials and candidates from across the Hudson Valley will take the stage to rally voter support. As small-dollar campaigns for local races often struggle for visibility and funding, the Hudson Valley Votes event seeks to raise awareness about these vital elections, where a few votes can make all the difference. “What makes Hudson Valley Votes so special is how it brings together the arts and politics, reflecting the strength and creativity of our community. From making housing more affordable to protecting reproductive rights, this event shows how we can come together to create real, positive change. This election is one of historic importance—from electing leaders like Harris and Walz, to winning back the House, to securing the Equal Rights Amendment. We need to make sure every person exercises their right to vote. I’m excited to be part of this moment and to continue fighting for a brighter, more equitable future for all of us,” said Michelle Hinchey.

Ballot Measure: Yes on Prop 1

In conjunction with voter outreach efforts, attendees will learn about Proposition 1, a critical amendment on this year’s ballot. Prop 1 aims to expand anti-discrimination protections in New York’s Constitution to include ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, with explicit protections for LGBT individuals, pregnancy, and abortion rights.

About Hudson Valley Votes
Hudson Valley Votes is a grassroots collective based in Upstate New York. Since 2018, it has been dedicated to increasing voter turnout and awareness through a series of multimedia events.