Let’s Jack it Up!

With the election happening any day now, most parties are doing what they can to promote their campaigns. NDP’s Jack Layton, however, has decided to put forth a different approach to the typical, somewhat mundane, political rallies. Together with Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies, the NDP is hosting an event they are calling an evening of passion, pop and politics.

Lorraine Segato, the producer of the event, says this idea came about because Layton and the new NDP are at a point where they really understand the importance of culture in terms of dialogue in social justice. She believes that the NDP has always been great supporters of art and music and know how important it is in making changes to the world.

“They wanted to put together a hot event that would sort of underscore that idea,” she said. “Working with Jack and talking to a lot of people, we wanted to reach out to a variety of aspects in the youth contingent. So we really want to reach out to a lot of hot young artists and say ‘look the NDP is the one party that is really interested in your concerns, we want to hear from you but we want to party.’”

And a party this event will be. Let’s Jack it up is packed with a unique and diverse line up, featuring all manner of genres from our Canadian talent. From the brilliant rocking live show of the Constantines to the funk-Asia sound of DJ Zahra, this night is definitely going to be exciting.

While Segato wants to stress that not all of the performers at this event are hardcore NDPs she said they do believe in the message that Layton is saying which is that culture is a very important aspect in any kind of change, and the voices of that culture need to be heard.

“I'm very proud to see all these talented people coming together to salute the contribution that artists make to our community and that the cultural industry makes to our economy,” Layton said.

“The politics is underscored really by a great night of hot music,” said Segato. “ It’s not going to be a lot of speeches and the political candidates hopping on board to do this, it’s really a celebration.”

But along with this celebration of music, comes the ploy of reaching the fanbase who is in the category of young potential voters. The percentage of voters under the age of 25 is quite low, so could this event really be targeting that contingent? Segato said they know young voters are not being reached and in turn not voting. She said they are attempting to aim the arrow in that direction.

“One of the ways to reach them is to show that there’s a lot of people that they respect and look up to, that really believe that you do have a voice and you can make a difference. So we’re trying to entice them in, even just to listen so that they can make their own decisions.”

Segato affirms that the night is not a political rally or fundraiser. She says that Layton will probably get up and talk about the importance of art and music, but it is truly a night to have fun and enjoy the surprises of the event.

Not knowing when the election is is not going to adhere this party. With or without the election, the night is still being held. Let’s Jack it up is on Saturday May 22 at the Palais de Royale at 9:00. The line-up includes The Sadies, Barlow, the Constantines, Jully Black, DJ Zahra, Martha Chaves and many more.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the door or through ticketmaster and various other Toronto locations. For more information call 416.591.5455 x 522

Courtesy image
Homepage photograph by Bouke Salverda

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