Steve Earle has turned many musical corners during his illustrious career, has collaborated with many artists, and has won several Grammys and been nominated for many more. In addition to his musical achievements, he’s also politically and socially active.
Just last week, Earle announced on his website that he’s participating in The Lantern Tour, which combines all of his passions. The Lantern Tour brings together art and advocacy to speak out against the Trump Administration’s immigration policies, specifically its practice of separating families. Earle will be sharing the stage with Emmylou Harris, Jackson Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin, Lila Downs, and Graham Nash. The tour only has five stops, and all proceeds will go to The Women’s Refugee Commission in the US.
Earle has performed at many other humanitarian-focused concerts. For example, the Concerts for Lampedusa Tour in 2016, which raised funds for refugees worldwide. (Lampedusa is an island off the coast of Sicily and is a common destination for migrants from Africa attempting to reach Europe.) And in 1999, Earle and Harris participated in a tour called Concerts for a Landmine Free World. He’s also performed in benefit concerts for causes like autism and developmental disabilities.
On the political front, Earle has been fighting for the abolition of the death penalty in the US and the removal of the Confederate symbol from the Mississippi Stage flag.
Steve Earle and the Dukes will be on our main stage on Friday, September 7 for their 30th Anniversary Copperhead Road tour. Get your tickets now!