Chad Stokes has always been an activist. From his days rocking with the band Dispatch to his pet webisode project Hows Your News? In the interest of getting college kids engaged in the coming election, he's at it again. This time with his Boston-based rock trio State Radio. Hitting pivitol swing states, the band's "Take the Country Back" tour is a 24 city Rocktober to gain awareness and listen to some great tunes.

I remember seeing John Kerry speak at one of these battleground concerts back in 2004, joined on stage by Dave Grohl and Bruce Springstein. State Radio is a band that delves heavily into the political realm, a lot of their songs seen as new-age protest ballads. But they aren't the only bands on tour right now fighting for college votes in swing states. The Beastie Boys are rocking swing state venues in Wisconsin, Virginia, and Minnesota on their "Get Out and Vote '08" Tour. And they're bringing heavy artillery with supporting acts Tenacious D, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Crosby & Nash, Norah Jones, and Sheryl Crow. All of the shows have a liberal overtone, but whatever way you're leaning politically, these are great events to check out some awesome music. And you really should vote. It's sort of your right as a citizen.

What sets State Radio's tour apart from the big boys is what they're doing on the side. A huge spokesperson for human rights, Chad was the driving force behind Dispatch's sold out reunion shows at Madison Square Garden a few years ago to benefit the Elias Fund, which gives aide to children in impoverished Zimbabwe. True to form, a big focus of this tour is highlighting the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and those Americans who have been victims of government cutbacks. A general theme of respect, justice, and equality for all citizens is paramount in not only the band's messages but their music as well.

Along the tour, the band has been working with Amnesty International to protest death penalty legislation, as well as an impromptu concert at the Obama headquarters in Gainesville and an acoustic sit in last Wednesday outside Joe Liebrman's office. For those in New York, you can still get in on the action (tour dates below).

If you would like to learn more about the "Take the Country Back" Tour, check out their blog coverage here. If you want to hear more State Radio, check them out here.
 

State Radio Dates

10/22 ......... Troy, NY......... Revolution Hall
10/26 ......... Providence, RI ......... Dunkin' Donuts Center
11/29 ......... New York, NY ......... Terminal 5 (with Anti Flag)


Beastie Boys Dates

10/28 ......... Richmond, VA ......... Richmond Coliseum
11/1 ......... St. Paul, MN ......... Roy Wilkins Auditorium
11/2 ......... Milwaukee, WI ......... US Cellular Arena