Pearl Jam and Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda are joining forces to raise money and awareness for Georgia Latinx voters in advance of the January 5th Senate runoff election. The Hollywood Reporter posted “the event will take place exclusively on virtual venue Looped with Wayne Brady hosting.” The online fundraiser takes place on Wednesday, December 16th, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT.
Proceeds from the event will support the Latino Victory Project, Latino Community Fund of Georgia, and The Hispanic Federation.
Eddie Vedder said in a statement, “Georgia came through for America and now it's time for America to come through for Georgia. We — along with millions of others — are fans of Lin-Manuel for both his art and his activism and we are excited to work together to support progressive organizations Latino Victory Project, Latino Community Fund of Georgia, and The Hispanic Federation. We hope you will join us live on December 16th as we talk music, art and activism.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda added: “I’ve long admired Pearl Jam’s music and commitment to advocacy — and their music has made an impact on me since I was a teenager. I haven’t met them yet, but have wanted to for a long time. We thought it would be fun to meet in front of our fans, while raising awareness and resources to make sure we get out the vote for the Georgia runoff election.”
Ultimately, Eddie Vedder believes it's more effective to get people involved and registered to vote than it is to preach from the stage: “I've always been wary (of) speaking from some kind of a podium as a singer in a rock band. First of all, I think it's ridiculous that it should be left to singers of rock bands to bring up these issues. But then again, the arts are always going to reflect society, and there could be a responsibility there.”