War foes to use music to attracts young voters

Members of suburban peace groups are convinced young voters quietly share anti-war views, so they have turned to music to try to get them involved.

Dubbed "Bands, Not Bombs," a concert and protest is slated for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in Bloomingdale's Old Town Park.

After the concert, protesters will march to U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam's Bloomingdale office near the intersection of Bloomingdale and Schick roads. In addition, a special collection will be taken to support the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton.

"The right to demonstrate is what makes America great and a cornerstone of democracy," said Matt Vriesema, spokesman for Roskam, a Wheaton Republican.

"We're pleased to see the group is also collecting money for disabled veterans in DuPage County."

This event is co-sponsored by DuPage Against War Now, the DuPage Peace Through Justice Coalition, Pax Christi Illinois, the West Suburban Faith-based Peace Coalition and others.

"We are convinced that our young people in America are overwhelmingly against the global war on terror and any other violence," said Kevin Lindemann, co-chair of the DuPage Peace Through Justice Coalition.

"We see that in their polls and voting record, but we need them to join us and become more active. History has shown music is a motivator in these instances."

Four bands --rockers Expendable Youth, La Armada and Agents of Change and hip-hop artist Phillip Morris -- are scheduled to perform short sets during the two-hour rally.

Calling Saturday's concert a hopeful celebration to end the war in Iraq, Lindemann said organizers hope to have more than 100 attendees and a mix of both longtime and first-time activists.

"Hopefully this event will show we can have fun and spread our message without being heavy-handed," Lindemann said.

Louis Cisneroz, the vocalist for '80s peace punkers Expendable Youth, said he wishes his group could play more concerts like this one.

"We all are very much against this war, and any other government war in the name of profit," Cisneroz said. "This type of show can be great for the cause as long as it's promoted properly."