Springsteen, Matthews Headline Festival Featuring Anti-Trump Groups

Musicians Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews are headlining the "Power To The People" music festival, an event that features a network of nonprofits and activists mobilizing against former President Donald Trump ahead of the midterm elections. The festival, held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, integrates musical performances with voter registration drives and activist organizing.

The opening acts, including the hip-hop group The Neighborhood Kids, have expressed strong political viewpoints, chanting slogans such as "Free, free Palestine!" and denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The festival's marketing emphasizes activating "the power everyday human beings have" to influence the world, particularly on and beyond Election Day. Live streams of the event have seen online comments supporting a "BLUE WAVE," indicating anticipated Democratic Party electoral victories.

A designated "Freedom Village" on the festival grounds hosts various nonprofit organizations, including Indivisible, which has received funding from George Soros. Other participating groups include Third Act, the ACLU, and organizations involved in past anti-Trump protests like "No Kings" and "Hands Off."

Springsteen has a history of participating in such events. Last year, he performed at a "No Kings" protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, organized by Indivisible and featuring activist Jane Fonda. He also headlined a "No Kings" event in Minneapolis. Springsteen previously endorsed the Democratic presidential ticket in 2024, calling Trump "the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime."

Dave Matthews has also been involved in politically aligned events, including the 2020 "I Will Vote" concert supporting Biden and Harris. Earlier, Matthews expressed support for socialist candidate Bernie Sanders.

Artist Shepard Fairey, known for the Obama "Hope" poster, created an image supporting Harris in 2024 and linked festival attendees to Head Count Inc., a nonprofit aimed at registering voters. Head Count Inc. and VoteRiders are among the nonprofits receiving proceeds from the festival.

Festival organizer Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, has openly advocated for socialism and has criticized political opponents using terms like "dictators" and "oligarchs."

Community partners of the festival include Ben & Jerry's and Red Emma's, a bookstore that features literature on Marxism, Socialism, and Communism on its website. Younger performers, such as musician "Grandson" (Jordan Benjamin), have also used their platforms for political advocacy, expressing support for Democratic candidates.

The festival offers tiered admission, including VIP packages, with descriptions of donation pledges to nonprofits varying between the general overview and specific package details. The "Robinhood Package," a "VIP SUPER SUITE," offers exclusive amenities for a higher price, with proceeds promised to human rights and social justice nonprofits.

The event also promotes a paid membership with its livestream partner, MS NOW, offering access to Q&As with Democratic-aligned personalities. The festival's offerings blend calls for "grassroots organizing" with commercial elements like upgraded access and media subscriptions.