Music festivals are about more than the magic of music and the camaraderie of community. For some, they’re also about giving back. At major fests and Dead & Company shows nationwide, HeadCount creates the Participation Row Activism Village where festival attendees are encouraged to register to vote or see if their current voter registration is active. It’s about “meeting voters where they are,” said Lindsay Berberich, HeadCount’s onsite director.
But there’s more. The organization’s mission is also about driving local engagement and outreach.
It was apparent at the Okeechobee Music Festival, where eight local not-for-profits joined HeadCount in Chobeewobee Village. They were a snapshot of local giving, including humanitarian, educational services and veteran’s services. Partners included Treasure Coast Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters. Healthy Start, Martha’s House, Helping People Succeed, Thank You For Your Service, and End The Hunger (Okeechobee County Schools and National Honor Society of Okeechobee High School).
Fest attendees who complete activities of four of the organizations received a bar of badass chocolate from Tony’s Chocolonely; HeadCount also gave away a custom D’Angelico Guitar signed by festival artists.
In all, Participation Row at Okeechobee Festival was a record-breaking event. HeadCount volunteers helped more than 1,500 fans make sure they’re ready to “Vote Local” this year, and festival goers took more than 6,000 positive actions with local non-profits.
Co-founded in 2004 by Marc Brownstein, bass player for electronic rock band The Disco Biscuits, HeadCount continues to make its rounds. Years ago, RoadtripMojo wrote about HeadCount’s work at the Lock’n Festival. As years go on, the mission remains, elections matter more than ever and its importance – and impact – have never been greater.