As the Democratic National Convention approaches, arrangements for paid appearances by celebrities, entertainers, and musical acts are being finalized. While the convention‘s agenda is not yet public, several after-parties and side events have announced music act headliners and Hollywood celebrity guests.
Among the expected glitterati will be film and television stars like Uma Thurman, Disney‘s Danai Gurira, who has featured in the Marvel “Black Panther” movie, “Young Sheldon” actor Iain Armitage and Uzo Aduba of “Orange is the New Black” and “Mrs. America.” These celebrities are rumored to be among the audience during the Wednesday night concert series hosted by former Representative Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) and her husband, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
JOAN JETT & DRAG QUEENS.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will headline the Giffords event at the Ramova Theater in Chicago. Other acts include Drive-By Truckers and SistaStrings. Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer is slated to host the concert.
In addition to major film celebrities and an 80s rockstar, the pro-LGBTQ Equality PAC will host a Monday night party in Chicago‘s gay Boys Town neighborhood. Several stars from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” are expected to attend, including Chad Michaels, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, and Jackie Cox. Also, on Monday night, there will be concert appearances by 90s pop-punk act Jimmy Eat World and rapper Lil Jon.
JOHN LEGEND, TAYLOR SWIFT, & BEYONCE?
Democratic Party booster and three-time Grammy Award winner John Legend will headline a concert on Tuesday night sponsored by billionaire and DNC host Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL). Legend has baselessly accused former President Donald J. Trump of being racist “at his core,” claiming he “believes in a genetic hierarchy of humanity, and it’s racially determined.”
On the final night of the DNC, the Future Forward SuperPAC will host a concert aimed at youth voters. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Harris campaign-aligned group. While there haven’t been any official announcements regarding the musical talent, there is rampant speculation that Beyoncé or Taylor Swift could appear.