On Saturday, March 24th, The National will join Bob Weir in a free webcast from Weir’s TRI Studios. Dubbed “The Bridge Session,” the event will be an evening of mixed musical genres, political discussion, and a showcase of modern technology. For the show, Scott and Bryan Devendorf of The National assembled a band from within Brooklyn’s independent music scene including Josh Kaufman, Thomas Bartlett, Kyle Resnick, Walt Martin, Conrad Doucette and Samuel Cohen. Their setlist with Bob Weir will include original songs by the Grateful Dead and The National, as well as cover songs with subtle, and not-so-subtle, political messages. Also in attendence will be Grateful Dead lyricist and activist, John Perry Barlow, who will be a panelist in a roundtable discussion that will take place between music sets.
The roundtable between sets will focus on issues that potentially unify people of divergent ideological perspectives – specifically, getting money out of politics and protecting the First Amendment. This roundtable will not be a closed discussion. Fans watching The Bridge Session at home will be able to ask questions to Weir, Barlow and other special guests via Twitter. It is being said that this event aims to “bridge the gaps” between people of various tastes and viewpoints. The name of the event also references TRI Studios’ location just North of the Golden Gate Bridge, and The National’s home base of Brooklyn and its equally famous bridge.
The Bridge Session will be produced by HeadCount, a non-profit organization that promotes voter registration and democratic participation. HeadCount founder Marc Brownstein, a member of the electronic rock band the Disco Biscuits and a Brooklyn native, will serve as emcee. Weir also happens to be on the organization’s Board of Directors.
Along with the world watching online, there will also be an intimate studio audience of benefactors and select media. If you would like to be in attendance as a benefector, you may acquire a ticket, here.
Have fun, and enjoy the show!
Music Sumo 