Performers at the Rally for Democracy

Don't Forget about the Rally for Democracy on July 31 from 6-11 p.m. at the Orbit Room!

Rachael & Dominic John Davis
In the time of her 10 year solo career Rachael has released 4 albums including one live record with long-time musical partner Brett Hartenbach and Shout Sister Shout!, a collaboration with the Lansing, Michigan-based American roots band Steppin’ In It. Davis has lent her voice to countless other recordings including tracks for film, television and guest vocals on other records.

Together with her husband, accomplished Steppin' In It bassist Dominic John, she has immersed herself in her latest project…. Three-year-old Virgil Ryman Davis.

Karisa Wilson
Karisa Wilson is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in West Michigan. Her music is an eclectic blend of folk, blues and jazz, or Americana for short. Moving away from a rock-based four piece, her new ensemble is a tribute to the folk tradition: banjo, mandolin, and upright bass featuring musicians Joey Schultz, Jason Wheeler and Max Lockwood (and Karisa on acoustic guitar and violin).

"I was a public school teacher in Grand Rapids for four years. I and my colleagues worked very hard year round (despite the myth of summers off!) to serve the students in our community. We spent hours outside of class one on one with students, preparing lessons, volunteering for sporting events, buying supplies with our own money, communicating with parents, not to mention adding to our own education with summer classes. Cutting money to our schools handicaps both teachers and students. We need to INVEST in them!"

Casey Stratton
Born and raised in Michigan, Casey Stratton trained at Interlochen Arts Academy, released records with major label Sony Records, and now records and releases albums on his independent Sleeping Pill Music imprint. He's scheduled to perform "A Tribute to Tori Amos" as part of the Wealthy Theatre Centennial Concert Series, August 25.

The New Midwest
The New Midwest, winner of this year's “Local Spin of the Year” by the Grand Rapids Press, has worked diligently over the last year to promote social justice in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from their recent record ”Commonwealth” have been supporting Access Food Pantry, a local organization fighting hunger in our town. The band includes teachers, local professionals, and families, all of which are being affected by current political decisions in Lansing. They are pleased to be a part of this exciting event, and look forward to contributing to the conversation.

Big Dudee Roo
Big Dudee Roo believes that music can be more than mere entertainment—it can be inspiration for people to think about the world and their place in it, and to work for something better. The songs often center around themes such as resisting the dominant culture’s ideologies and structures, deeper connection with other humans and the natural world, feminism, social justice, and the many emotions that arise when confronting these issues.

We are appalled by the actions of Rick Snyder and company (and other governments throughout the Midwest) to take away some of the most basic freedoms of Michiganders, particularly in the appointment of all-powerful Emergency Financial Managers in towns such as Benton Harbor. But something larger is happening here as well. A capitalistic and corporatist culture based on domination and exploitation is beginning to heave its last dying breaths, and those at the top, who benefit from the misery of those at the bottom, can sense that things are changing, and are trying desperately to preserve this system at any cost. So it is up to us, the living and loving, to actively create the cultures we want to replace this one, and prevent fascists from creating the culture they want!

Josh Rose
Soul for the now and after. A public school teacher/writer/singer-songwriter who believes in what he does, the lives he impacts, and the importance of his role in society.