Ride the Blue Wave Again (for Democrats and Survival)

Scheduled at The Laurie Beechman Theater for Friday, May 27 at 6:30 p..m.

From Stephen Hanks, organizer of the Blue Wave Cabaret:

“After Donald Trump became President in 2017 and the Republicans gained the House to help Trump pass that huge tax cut for the wealthy and begin the assault on voting rights, I felt desperate to do something beyond the usual local Democratic politics. All the organizations fighting against voter suppression were outside of New York, however, so I was at a loss about where to direct my political energy. The idea to merge political passion with my involvement in cabaret gave rise to Cabaret Campaigns: Ride the Blue Wave 2018.”

Stephen Hanks

“I recruited 28 singers (22 of them women) and four music directors. We staged five shows at Don’t Tell Mama that raised more than $6,000 divided among 30 Democratic candidates running for the Senate, Congress, Governorships, and a couple of State Legislature races. Every show was a near sellout and earned rave reviews. But the real reward was the Democrats and Progressives flipping 40 seats in Congress. In January 2019, the `Blue Wavers’ staged two `Blue Wave Victory’ shows and the proceeds went to Stacey Abrams’ voting rights groups in Georgia. A year later, two months before New York was shut down due to the pandemic, we produced a `Voting Rights’ fundraising show. “

“I never thought I’d revive this idea, especially since I now live in Sedona, Arizona, but since I was coming back to New York in late May for a wedding, I decided to produce a new one-off fundraising show for a handful of 2022 Democratic candidates. When I reached out to many of the women performers from past shows, 14 responded within a few hours that they were totally on board to ride the blue wave again. It’s hard to describe how much I love these ladies. “

Candidates We Are Raising Funds For: Focused on the Senate and Governors races that Dems need to win to pass vital legislation like voting rights and to protect a woman’s right to choose. 

Stacey Abrams: Running again to be Governor of Georgia, likely against the incumbent Brian Kemp, who narrowly beat Abrams for that position in 2018 amid accusations of rampant voter suppression. 

Charles Booker: While a member of the Kentucky State Legislature he lost the 2020 Democratic Senate Primary in Kentucky to Amy McGrath who then lost to Mitch McConnell. Now Booker is taking another crack and trying to unseat Republican Senator Rand Paul.

Val Demmings: Current Congresswoman from Florida, Demmings is running to oust Republican Marco Rubio from the US Senate.

Katie Hobbs: Current Arizona Secretary of State, Hobbs is the likely Democratic candidate for Governor and would be up against Trump-endorsed Republican Kari Lake. 

Beto O’Rourke: Beto narrowly lost the 2018 race for the Texas Senate against Ted Cruz and will now be battling Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who is one of the country’s biggest opponents of Roe v. Wade. 

Tim Ryan: The current Congressman from Ohio is now going for the Senate seat that opened up when Republican Rob Portman retired. The Democrats desperately need to hold that chamber in 2022. There are seven Republicans vying to be Ryan’s opponent and we’ll know who that is on May 4. 

Raphael Warnock: On the day of the January 6 insurrection, he was declared the winner of the Georgia Senate special election defeating incumbent Kelly Loeffler. Now Warnock will be running again for the usual six-year term. The Trump-endorsed candidate on the Republican side is former NFL running back Herschel Walker in a crowded primary field to be decided on May 24. 

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC): The Democrats need to hold on to their control of the House but since every seat is contested every two years, we just plan to send some of the raised funds directly to the DCCC. 

Some of the performers- all of whom are donating their time:

“Like many politically aware Americans, and people around the world, I am overwhelmed with the urgency of the issues of our time, climate change, women and human rights, and the sinister rise of authoritarianism. It’s an epic struggle to resist being consumed by grief and helplessness, and to stay the course of taking action and speaking up and out to save our Democracy. Being a part of Stephen Hanks’ Blue Wave shows is a much-needed shot in my arm to maintain focus and be uplifted by the art, music, dedication, and friendships we’ve shared.” Sandra Bargman

“I am so thankful for Stephen Hanks’ talent for partnering Cabaret and fundraising for the greater good. This year feels more dire than ever. I join his gorgeous cast this year to raise funds for the social servants who fight for real climate change reforms, and healthcare and voting access for all. Can you imagine? I try.”  Meg Flather

“Every Blue Wave has been a highlight for me as a singer, American, and citizen of the world.  As a non-billionaire, I can’t pump zillions of dollars into candidates I believe will help create a more inclusive society where all are truly created equal and provided the opportunities all human beings should enjoy.  As a singer what I can do is offer up my voice wherever and whenever asked to help raise money to support candidates who promise this for all Americans.  And the experience is such a high for all involved. We share a special magic that lifts up every soul in the room in a way that’s impossible to describe (so if you’re reading this reserve now!). Laurie Krauz

If women across America were as aware, actively committed, and compassionate as these talented performers, we might have a shot at overturning the untenable situation in which we find ourselves. At a time when fatalism comes as easily as breathing, they’re inspiring. The cause is just, the talent excellent, the evening proactive money goes where it should. How can you lose?

All photos courtesy of the production

To purchase tickets: The Laurie Beechman Theater Friday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m.