Perez Inching Closer to Clinching Democratic Party Chair Position

Tom Perez is one step closer to leading…

The 55-year-old American politician, consumer advocate and civil rights lawyer moved closer to clinching the race to chair the Democratic Party after one of his competitors dropped out and endorsed the former labor secretary — shaking up the contest two days before the election.

Tom Perez

South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison emailed Democratic National Committee members Thursday to say he is dropping out and backing Perez, who was the United States Secretary of Labor from 2013 to 2017.

Harrison was a distant contender — far behind Perez and Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison. “In a former job, I whipped votes for House Democrats. I know what a path to victory looks like,” Harrison said in his email, acknowledging he couldn’t win.

But with both Perez and Ellison within striking distance of the majority of the DNC‘s 447 voting members, Harrison’s support could push Perez over the edge — and make Harrison the kingmaker.

Vote-counting is nebulous, since some DNC members have not revealed their plans even privately, and there’s no reason those who have committed to support one candidate couldn’t change their minds at the last minute.

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But a source close to Perez said Thursday that Harrison had about 30 supporters, and about 20 were expected to now back Perez. The source said Perez already had about 200 supporters — but cautioned that Saturday’s proceedings are hard to predict.

With several of the DNC’s 447 membership slots vacant, 442 DNC members are eligible to vote Saturday. If all do so, it will take 222 votes to win.

Harrison’s move comes days after New Hampshire Democratic Party chair Ray Buckley dropped out and endorsed Ellison.

A Perez spokeswoman said Harrison did not receive any commitment for a specific role within the party in exchange for his support.

“Every person who knows Jaime Harrison will say he is one of the smartest, most dedicated, and genuine leaders we know,” Perez said in a statement. “Simply put, he’s one of a kind. Jaime’s commitment to the party is like no other and I’m proud to have his support as we both work together to invest in state parties, turnaround the DNC, and get back to winning.”

Harrison’s exit leaves South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Idaho Democratic Party executive director Sally Boynton Brown likely vying for third place, each with what Democrats tracking the race say are about 10 votes in their favor.

Buttigieg had hoped to emerge as the balloting went on Saturday in Atlanta. But the increasingly narrowing field before the election means the race could end too quickly for a third option to break out.

Ozomatli & Squirrel Nut Zippers Join Forces for Special “United Together Tour”

Ozomatli is partnering with an unlikely band to unite the country…

The Latin rock band is uniting with Squirrel Nut Zippers to rage against the machine, in their own distinctive ways, when they tour together this spring.

Ozomatli

The two groups will play six United Together Tour dates starting March 28 in Tucson, Arizona, with more shows to be announced. They figure that the example of an idiosyncratic Americana group from Mississippi joining forces with an outspoken troupe of Latin American descent from Los Angeles will be a blow against the separatist agenda they feel is being forwarded by President Donald Trump and his administration.

“The conversation about this started in the political season leading up to the election, so I think that’ll play a big part in this,” SNZ frontman and leader Jimbo Mathus tells Billboard. “The Zippers love satire, black humor, parody. Ozo’s been more straightforward in their political thing, but I can almost certainly say that we stand politically together and socially together in bringing people together, bringing cultures together and hopefully spreading a positive energy and positive energy of unity, togetherness, music and joy. I think we can do something really positive, and really fun, and we just have to activate that creative force and then see how the audience responds to our combined message.”

Ozomatli’s Poree adds that, “We definitely come from two different worlds, but what we’ve always tried to do through music is bring people together. I’m sure (SNZ) are trying to do the same thing. I think putting us together really makes a statement.”

In addition to the concerts, the two groups have committed to recording at least one song together. Mathus has sent Ozomatli three pieces he’s working on for the new SNZ album — the group’s first since 2000 — and he’s already written a take-off on W.C. Handy‘s “Crump Blues” (aka “Memphis Blues“) called “Trump Blues.”

“I’d like to do a real fun, subversive piece together,” Mathus says. “I think that would suit us both.” Poree, meanwhile, is looking forward to the challenge of melding the two group’s disparate styles.

“I said, ‘Where’s the common ground between the two bands? Where do we kind of meet each other?'” Poree explains. “I was thinking bout their kind of vaudeville, big band, almost like 30s kind of style and our Latin influence, Perez Prado. That’s the common ground, where we can meet in the middle, kind of like a mambo, Perez Prado 40s kind of huge sound, update it a little. Lou Bega did something like that with ‘Mambo No. 5,’ so reviving that sound. I think it’d work if we commit ourselves to it.”

Mathus says the SNZ album, which the group has been working on in New Orleans, is nearly finished, and the band will sandwich some dates of its own during April in between United Together shows.

Ozomatli, meanwhile, will release a new album — Non-Stop, Mexico > Jamaica — on May 5, featuring classic and contemporary Mexican songs done reggae and dancehall-style and produced by Sly & Robbie. Both groups expect to weave in and out of each other during the concerts, and Poree is confident that their political message will fall on receptive ears.

“Y’know, every administration, even the (Barack) Obama administration, does shit normal, everyday people that live in this country would not agree with, but Trump took it to such a level where everyday people can’t help but be like, ‘What the fuck is going on?!'” Poree says. “So it’s waking people up, and I think it’ll last, at least as long as Trump is in office. I was talking with my dad, even before Trump got elected, and he said, ‘Damn, this is like the 60s. The whole country is getting behind it. He was really happy about it, so I just hope it’s not a fad and people stick with it, ’cause that’s our only defense.”

Take a look at the first set of United Together Tour dates below.

Mar. 28 — Tucson @ Rialto
Mar. 29 — Tempe @ Marquee
Mar. 30 — Las Vegas @ House Of Blues
Apr. 19 — Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
Apr. 20 — Concord, NH @ Capitol Center For The Arts
Apr. 21 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel

Maxwell to Perform at the Women’s March on Washington

Maxwell is lending his voice to the latest women’s movement…

The 43-year-old half-Puerto Rican R&B singer will perform at the Women’s March on Washington this weekend.

Maxwell

Organizers of the event announced its performance lineup on Wednesday. Janelle MonaeAngelique Kidjo, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Indigo GirlsMC Lyte, Samantha Ronson, Toshi Reagon and Emily Wells are also set to perform at Saturday’s march.

“I am honored to join this critical movement to bring justice and equality to all,” Monae said in a statement. “Music has always been a powerful tool for galvanizing unity and I believe that singing and standing together, our voices will be stronger than any force that tries to repress us.”

Organizers say entertainers including QuestloveGrimesNeko CaseRakim and Lila Downs are joining the march’s “artist table” to support the event in the U.S. capital and the 200 planned “sister marches” around the country.

Actress America Ferrera was previously announced as the chair of the artists’ group.

Huerta to Speak at the Chelsea Handler-Organized Women’s March on Main

Dolores Huerta has been given her marching orders…

The 86-year-old Latina labor leader and civil rights activist is set to speak at the Chelsea Handler-organized Women’s March on Main, an event taking place Saturday in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival.

Dolores Huerta 

The march will coincide with post-inauguration marches being held nationwide including the March on Washington.

In addition to Huerta, the co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW), the list of speakers for the Park City event includes Aisha Tyler, Connie Britton, Mary McCormack, Benjamin Bratt, Laurie David, Jessica Williams, Maria Bello and local officials including Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski. Handler is an organizing committee member.

The event, which is not affiliated with the festival, will start at 9:00 am local time at 220 Main St.

Handler announced plans for the march earlier this month. The march is set for two hours, usually before Park City really begins stirring during the festival. But just in case, the city has set up a text-messaging system for updates on transit, traffic and road closures.

Cortez Masto: The Nation’s First Latina Senator

Catherine Cortez Masto is heading to The District…

The 52-year-old half-Mexican American politician, a Democrat and former Nevada Attorney General, made history on election night, becoming the nation’s first Latina senator.

Catherine Cortez Masto

Cortez Masto defeated Representative Joe Heck in a close race to fill the seat of Democratic minority leader Senator Harry Reid. She received 47 percent of the vote, while Heck received 45 percent.

“I’m proud to be Nevada’s first female and our nation’s first Latina senator,” Cortez Masto tweeted on Wednesday. “It’s about time our government mirrors the diversity of our nation.”

 

Prior to serving two terms as Nevada’s attorney general, Cortez Masto worked as an assistant county manager for Clark County, Nevada. She also served as a federal criminal prosecutor for the United States Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. and was chief of staff to governor Bob Miller, according to her website.

González Helping Get Out the Latino Vote

Saraí González is getting out the Latino vote…

The 11-year-old Latina, the star of Bomba Estéreo‘s empowering “Soy Yo” music video, appears in a new campaign aimed at getting out the vote.

Saraí González

“Be you and vote” is the powerful message behind a González’s campaign.

González appears the oversized glasses, quirky dance moves and extreme confidence that she demonstrated in the “Soy Yo” video, all to urge Latino voters to get out and vote in the upcoming presidential election Nov. 8.

“I was excited to do this video because this election is so important. I’ve had enough of Donald Trump,” González said in a statement. “He’s unkind and he’s dishonest. Even all the kids in my school know how racist he is and that he can’t be president. He would make America much worse, not better. That’s why everyone needs to vote.”

The “Get Out the Vote” campaign is paid for by the liberal group People for the American Way, urging eligible Latino voters to make their vote count.

Lopez to Perform at Hillary Clinton “Love Trumps Hate” Event in Miami

Jennifer Lopez is stumping for Hillary Clinton

Despite Donald Trump’s downward spiral in the polls, the Democratic presidential candidate is calling on some big names to help sway undecided voters in key battleground states.

Jennifer Lopez

The campaign announced a series of events dubbed “Love Trumps Hate” that will feature performances by the 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress, Katy Perry and Jon Bon Jovi, among others.

According to the campaign scheduling siteBon Jovi is slated to perform in Pittsburgh on October 27 and Tampa on November 5, while Lopez will be in Miami on October 29; no additional event details have been announced.

“The performance series will feature a number of artists performing in battleground states who will energize our supporters and encourage them to turn out to vote on Election Day or to take advantage of early voting options in their states,” said Clinton’s campaign via press release. More performances will be announced in the coming days.

The phrase “love trumps hate” was used by Clinton during her primetime address at the Democratic National Convention in July.

The announcement explained that the performances will also serve as a recruiting opportunity to find new volunteers for the home stretch of the campaign.

“In the final weeks of the campaign, what voters will hear from these performers and all HFA surrogates is that Hillary Clinton has the experience and steadiness to bring people together and get real results,” the statement continued. “The choice in this election is clear. We can either come together to tackle the big challenges facing the country or let Donald Trump keep tearing us apart with his divisive rhetoric and dangerous ideas. That’s why millions of people are coming together to support Hillary Clinton and send a clear message that ‘love trumps hate.’”

Ferrera Partners with Rebecca Minkoff to Launch T-Shirt to Inspire Women to Vote

America Ferrera is rockin’ the vote in style…

The 32-year-old Honduran American actress has collaborate with fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff to create a special t-shirt aimed at inspiring women to vote in the 2016 presidential election.

America Ferrera

Ferrera has been extremely vocal about the importance of getting out and voting, especially among millennials.

The shirt reads Make America Ferrera Again and it’s aim is to show everyone the impact their voices, especially during this important election.

Make America Ferrera Again T-Shirt

The shirts are available at www.rebeccaminkoff.com and are available in stores in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The limited edition item retails for $48 and a portion of all the proceeds will go to Rock the Vote.

“It is important to show up for yourself and know, especially inside the Latino community, that we have so much power, we have so much potential that we could exercise by using our voices in the voting booth. And I think that when we show up and we decide to represent ourselves in the voting booth is when things will change for Latin American communities in the United States, so we need to show up for ourselves and exercise that power,” she has said before.

Miranda to Perform at One-Night Only Broadway Show Benefiting Hillary Clinton’s Hillary Victory Fund

Lin-Manuel Miranda is stumping for Hillary Clinton

The 36-year-old Puerto Rican actor and Hamilton star/creator has joined the list of Broadway and Hollywood stars teaming up for a one-night only Broadway performance benefiting the Hillary Victory Fund.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Miranda joins a lineup that includes Julia Roberts and Hugh Jackman, all appearing in support of Clinton.

The show, “Stronger Together,” features Chelsea Clinton as a special guest and Billy Crystal as host, appearing alongside familiar faces including Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Josh Groban, Angela Bassett, Neil Patrick Harris, Helen Mirren, Sienna Miller, Bernadette Peters, Cynthia Erivo, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Sarah Jones, Andrea McArdle and Ayodele Casel.

Organizers of the evening promise new duets and collaborations.

Michael Mayer, the Spring Awakening and Hedwig and the Angry Inch director whose Off-Broadway production of Love, Love, Love is now running, will direct the production, with Diane Paulus on board as special consultant. John Guare serves as script consultant, with Seth Rudetsky as musical director.

The event is set for October 17 at the St. James Theater, the Jujamcyn-owned venue currently occupied by “Something Rotten!,” which is dark on Monday nights.

Tickets are on sale on the Hillary Clinton website.

Cabello to Appear on MTV’s Voter Registration Special “Total Registration Live”

Camila Cabello is rockin’ the vote…

The 19-year-old Cuban singer and Fifth Harmony member is set to appear on MTV’s Total Registration Live, an hourlong live special aimed at rallying Millennials to register to vote, on National Voter Registration Day, Tuesday, September 27 at 6:00 pm.

Camila Cabello

In addition to Cabello, who recently penned an essay about growing up an immigrant in the U.S., others scheduled to appear include Grammy-nominated R&B star and Respect My Vote! Ambassador, Ty Dolla $ign performing “Campaign.”

Additionally, the special will include appearances by model and Rock The Vote spokesperson Kendall Jenner, director, producer and writer Joss Whedon, rapper Vic Mensa, actress Natalia Dyer, actor and singer Mack Wilds, among others.

MTV’s Nessa who will host. Also on-hand will be MTV News’ Senior Political Correspondent Ana Marie Cox and Senior National Correspondent Jamil Smith.

Guests will speak out on the issues at the center of the 2016 election and empower viewers to register to vote via MTV’s long-standing partner Rock The Vote at ElectThis.com, or by texting VOTEMTV to 384387 via a partnership with HelloVote, the first chatbot that allows voters to register over text message or Facebook Messenger in under a minute.