Dean Campaign Marches to Its Own Beat

Author: Abbie Beane

In tune with the fact that a vast majority of America now seems increasingly aware of current events, has a more conspicuous interest in politics and seems to be making a more concerted effort to participate in the political scene, last Thursday night at the Higher Ground, four local bands strummed to seal the deal for Howard Dean.

If young adults and, in fact, just about anyone didn't already have a vested interest in this year's upcoming election, then a "rager" in Winooski would draw more folks in line behind Dean. I mean, who wants to bat for a team that doesn't listen to "Jock Jams" during practice anyways?

At the junction where art meets politics, a place which has been visited time and time again in order to rally the troops behind a specific candidate or cause, Higher Ground hosted the Sandra Wright Band, the Gordon Stone Band, Vorcza and the Dave Keller Band on Thurs. Sept. 18 under the mottos, "Bands for Dean" and "Dean for America."

The Sandra Wright Band, a Vermont-based blues group under soul singer Sandra Wright, recorded its debut in 1992 just before relocating to Vermont. With a 1995 album, "Shake You Down," on the Hipshake Records Label and a rich musical history which began when Wright was four and includes several other bands at her back, this group was well-equipped to propel Dean even higher than his laurels.

As for the Gordon Stone Band, it's served to add a few more strings into the mix (banjo and pedal steel guitar, to be exact) and the experience of playing with one of the bands most beloved by Vermonters, the one and only "Phish." Formerly a trio until gaining Russ Lawton, known for his drumming and songwriting with Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, the band has traveled regionally, gaining recognition at colleges, theaters and festivals. It has even secured fame through creating a score for the successful film, "Mud Season." Their current CD release, "Even with the Odds," has also received numerous acclaims, such as "Best Bluegrass Performer/Artist Award" from Good Citizen's Vermont Music Poll.

Yet we're still missing the vital organ trio. Vorcza added the improvisational, high-energy element to this eclectic smattering of bands - a group which also has members that trade off with bands like the Jazz Mandolin Project, viperHouse and the Trey Anastasio Band.

Dean's celebratory evening was neatly packaged, tied with a ribbon of advocacy and wrapped up with the Dave Keller Band. Keller chimed in with a "funky brand of soul, old school R&B and blues," supported by his keyboardist, Andy Harris, bassist Mike Bernal and drummer Simon Plumpton. Keller, having released two CDs and having played over 120 dates a year throughout Vermont and New England, also proved to be a band worthy of Dean's campaign team.

However, if you didn't make the band extravaganza, have no fear - Dean will still accept your vote.