As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the 2024 Election, a local organization in Philadelphia is harnessing the power of music to bring communities together and energize voters. Joy To The Polls, a non-partisan initiative, is hosting pop-up concerts at polling stations and curating playlists to create a joyful and festive atmosphere for those exercising their civic duty.

Uplifting Voters Through the Universal Language of Music

Fostering Community and Reducing Tension at the Polls

Music has a unique ability to transcend political divides and bring people together. By hosting live performances and curating playlists for voters, Joy To The Polls is leveraging this power to create a more positive and inclusive experience at the polls. The concerts feature local and national artists, offering a much-needed respite from the stress and divisiveness that can often accompany the electoral process.According to Nelini Stamp, the founder of Joy To The Polls, the goal is to "create a joyful spirit at polling stations around the country." The organization recognizes that the voting process can be arduous, with long lines and frustration, and they aim to alleviate this by infusing the experience with music and celebration. "It's not right that it takes so long to vote and people have to stand in line for hours," Stamp explains. "We want to make a fun and festive atmosphere for them."

Curating Playlists to Inspire and Unify Voters

In addition to the live concerts, Joy To The Polls has also curated a series of playlists featuring contributions from a diverse array of artists, activists, and public figures. These playlists are designed to be enjoyed by voters while they wait in line, fill out their ballots, or simply during the election season. The selections convey messages of encouragement, unity, and civic responsibility, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the often-divisive rhetoric that can dominate the political landscape.The playlists feature a wide range of musical genres, from hip-hop and R&B to folk and rock, reflecting the diverse tastes and backgrounds of the contributors. Artists like Kelly Rowland, David Byrne, Maggie Rogers, and Black Thought have all lent their musical expertise to the project, curating playlists that speak to the power of music to bring people together.

Bringing the Joy to West Philadelphia

One of the most recent Joy To The Polls events took place in West Philadelphia, where a surprise pop-up concert featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and the legendary hip-hop trio De La Soul delighted voters. The event, held at West Philadelphia High School, created a festive and energetic atmosphere, with hundreds of voters gathering around a converted school bus to enjoy the music."We had no idea there would be a free concert here tonight," said Rick Savio, a voter from the Chestnut Street area. "After seeing people stand in line and some even arguing over a period of hours, it's nice for them to do something like this."The concert was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and provide a much-needed respite from the stresses of the electoral process. As Maseo of De La Soul observed, "Music has always brought people together. We're here to entertain, but this election, this year has put brother against brother. But if you look around here everyone is having fun and getting along. Music heals."

Empowering Voters Through Civic Engagement

While the Joy To The Polls events are designed to be fun and festive, the underlying message is one of civic responsibility and the importance of voting. The playlists and concert selections often feature songs and messages that encourage listeners to exercise their right to vote and engage with the political process."The message of voting rights and civic responsibility was clear throughout the pop-up concert as well as in the song choices on the playlist series," Stamp explains. "But the concerts are there to, as founder Stamp put it, 'physically shake off the negativity surrounding politics by dancing and releasing good vibrations.'"By creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere at the polls, Joy To The Polls hopes to inspire more people to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard. As Freeway, a member of the hip-hop group, put it, "Hip hop can unite."