Musicians Rock for Hurricane Sandy Relief

Musicians will rock out and get their funk on for Hurricane Sandy aid and voter registration during the next four nights.

HeadCount and Magic Hat Brewing Company have teamed up for this year’s Participation Tour, which is anchored by funk outfit Dumpstaphunk and folk rocker Anders Osborne, both from New Orleans.

While the tour’s original aim was to register more voters for the upcoming election, HeadCount announced yesterday that all proceeds from the four-day tour will be donated to the Red Cross and other relief efforts.

“In an election year we get very focused on voter registration, but something we like to say is ‘make your voice heard every day, not just on election day,’ HeadCount Executive Director Andy Bernstein said via email. “You can't forget that participation means more than just voting. It means being a good citizen and thinking beyond yourself. So in that context, this was clearly the best way to fulfill the mission of the tour.”

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The tour kicks off Friday night in Baltimore, heads to Philadelphia Saturday, to Washington D.C. on Sunday, and ends in New York City on Monday.

On select dates, Dumpstaphunk and Anders Osborne will be joined by special guests John Kadlecik, an extended member of The Grateful Dead family, Bonerama, a New Orleans brass band, and Keller Williams, affectionaly known as the “one-man jamband.”

“Our heart goes out to everyone that’s struggling and having a rough time because of this,” said Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk’s keyboardist and band leader. “ … We’re proud to be able to be blessed to get to come play some music and maybe put a smile on somebody’s face in times of trouble.”

HeadCount and Magic Hat’s Participation Tour:

• Friday, Nov. 2: Baltimore Soundstage (special guests John Kadlecik and Bonerama)
• Saturday, Nov. 3: The Blockley in Philadelphia
• Sunday, Nov. 4: The Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. (special guests Keller Williams and John Kadlecik)
• Monday, Nov. 5: The Highline Ballroom in New York City (special guests Amy Helm, Eric Krasno (Soulive/Lettuce), Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), Bela Fleck and Questlove and more)

Check back with Patch this weekend for a video interview with Ivan Neville from Dumpstaphunk.