Fans attending the Camp Bisco festival in Mariaville, NY, this weekend will have a chance to win a free spot at the upcoming Caribbean Holidaze Festival (Dec. 10-14) in Runaway Bay, Jamaica – just by writing letters to their Congressional representatives or showing off their prowess at political and music trivia.
Camp Bisco, featuring The Disco Biscuits, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), and Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is known more as one of the summer’s biggest parties than for its political activism. But Caribbean Holidaze promoter Cloud 9 Adventures teamed up with HeadCount, the non-profit organization chaired by The Disco Biscuits’ Marc Brownstein, to make participation in democracy one of the many activities on the Camp Bisco menu.
There are two ways to win the prize: Anyone who stops by the HeadCount booth at Camp Bisco can write a letter to Congress on any issue of their choice and be automatically entered into a random drawing for a free spot at Caribbean Holidaze. Fans can also compete for a free spot by playing the “Reality Check” trivia game show. The winner will be decided in a tournament that lasts throughout the festival, with the finals hosted by Brownstein.
“Our fans bring incredible passion and energy to Camp Bisco,” Brownstein said. “This is a great way to channel that passion toward something beyond the festival itself, with an incredible reward. Believe me, come December there is no place you’d rather be than Caribbean Holidaze. The generosity of the Holidaze organizers is extraordinary.”
Now entering its third year, Caribbean Holidaze has become a signature event on The Disco Biscuits’ touring calendar. Co-headlined by Umphrey’s McGee, it sold out its first two years. Guests are treated to four days of music at two all-inclusive resorts in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. This year’s line-up also includes The New Deal and Perpetual Groove, among others.
“We wanted to recognize people who know something about the world and are working to change it,” said Annabel Lukins of Cloud 9 Adventures, promoters of Caribbean Holidaze. “HeadCount does this everyday, by empowering the voices of the live music community. We’re happy to acknowledge those who care about making a difference with some Caribbean fun in the sun this winter.”
HeadCount registered more than 100,000 voters last year through a nationwide volunteer effort at concerts. It is now encouraging fans to take the next step and become more involved in the political process. Anyone who stops by a HeadCount table at a concert or festival, or visits the organization’s web site at www.HeadCount.org, can complete a letter or e-mail to their specific member of Congress. HeadCount does the rest, ensuring the letter is sent to that person’s specific representative.
