Austin Texas Musicians and Arching Dog Productions are partnering to host “Músicos Unidos Para Votar,” a free music event on September 24th at Frontera Beer Garden.
With one of the lowest voter registration rates in Texas, the Laredo region is primed to make a huge impact in November’s Gubernatorial race. This event is free to attend with either onsite proof of voter registration or onsite voter registration with a team of Volunteer Deputy Registrars.
“This event is important to me because so often the border regions are used as photo ops and misrepresented in ways that diminish our voices and our experiences. Music and the Arts have always been a vehicle of change, and through our unity and artistic expression we hope to encourage people to make their voices heard and change the tide for border communities. Registering to vote and making the knowledge accessible is a way for us to use our art as a means of revolution and equity to latino(x) and Hispanics in these regions,” said Tejano artist Veronique Medrano.
“The outcome of local and statewide elections affects many lives. If we don’t get out to vote, someone else is going to make the choices for us. Voting is one of the easiest ways to make sure your voice is heard and it all starts with filling out a registration form. We hope that the community comes out to have a good time and hear great music, but also to take the opportunity to register to vote and to become informed of issues on the local ballots,” said Cumbia artist Ray Burger.
Patrick Buchta, CEO of Austin Texas Musicians, said that while voter registration appears to be lowest in border regions, those areas offer the greatest opportunity to have underrepresented voices heard, and to vote on the issues that affect Texans most. “We thank our community partners for coming together for this very important cause, and we look forward to making a real impact in registering new voters,” he added.
The gates open at 11 a.m. followed by a brief voter education session. The Mariachi Arrieros takes the stage at noon, followed by Veronique Medrano at 1 p.m., and Ray Burger at 2 p.m.
For further information contact Patrick Buchta at pat@austintexasmusicians.org or Veronique Medrano at veroniquemedrano@gmail.com
Thank you so much. As someone who has voted since 1968, I’ve always have been astonished and demoralized by Webb County’s dismal voter turnout. Laredo’s younger voters will benefit from this endeavor. Please relay the information of this event all over, as if our future depends on it…. which it absolutely does!