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Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

In between songs, Stipe mentioned that he’d been to 8 countries over the summer and in each one he met fans that pleaded with him: “Do not let that man [Trump] get back into power.”

Kamala Harris-Tim Walz fans found a surprise in their inboxes on Thursday when the campaign announced that legendary REM frontman Michael Stipe would be taking the stage with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and artist Jason Isbell Friday at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Plaza for a free concert.

Fans3 Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2430 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

The event was opened by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey who warned that Anger is only one letter away – D – from the Danger Trump represents should he be allowed to take back the White House.

MayorGainey Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2411 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

Gainey made it clear that he wants everyone to get registered and as Michelle Obama said at the DNC, DO something.

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Gainey was followed by Malcolm Kenyatta who gave a powerful speech that got the crowd going. 

Kanyatta Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2416 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

Kenyatta told the crowd to think about someone they love, someone they would leave right now and run to assist if they were in trouble.  What kind of future do you want for them? Voting can determine that future. He reminded everyone that when we fight we win.

Candidate for State Treasurer, Erin McClelland spoke about the importance of getting everyone win the democratic ballot elected.

ErinMcClelland Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2422 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

Doug Emhoff took the stage and made it very clear that his wife is the one of the job and reminded attendees how important it is that they get out and do the work as we are less than 30 days until the election.

Doug Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2439 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

He then went into his REM bonafides by listing the numerous times he’s seen them and his brother’s love for the band as well. 

Michael Stipe Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2447 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

Emhoff talked about how he and Stipe have become friends/pen pals over the last few years and what an honor and surprise it was to be introducing him tonight.  

He also spoke about Isbell and how difficult it is to categorize his music and what an important artist he is.

With that he brought Stipe and Isbell to the stage which was met with a roar of approval from the crowd, many in faded REM tees.

Jason Michael Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 2443 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

“It’s been awhile since I’ve sung these songs, 16 years in fact, but I’m really happy to be here with Jason and with the soon-to-be-ever First Gentleman of the United States of America,” Stipe said before he and Isbell started the R.E.M. classic “The One I Love.” 

They played Isbell’s “Traveling Alone” and “Hope The High Road,” then closed the set with R.E.M.’s “Driver 8,” which Stipe hasn’t sung live since 2008.

isbell 1 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

In between songs, Stipe mentioned that he’d been to 8 countries over the summer and in each one he met fans that pleaded with him “Do not let that man get back into power.” He told the crowd that’s up to you by getting registered and making sure your friends and family are registered as well.

Fans Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 245 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

The crowd left slightly buzzing and a little amazed to see such an unexpected performance on such a beautiful night.

Fans2 Emhoff Stipe Isbell Pittsburgh Scherner Plaza 10 4 246 2 - Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell Play Free Concert in Pittsburgh to Support the Harris-Walz Campaign

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Picture of David Iskra

David Iskra

David Iskra is a Bucks County native who has been producing live events globally for over 2 decades. He has worked in both, film and television and his photography has appeared in numerous publications such as Filter, Flood and Culture Collide. He lives in Historic Fallsington with his wife and two daughters.

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