Rock the Vote is Saturday June 16th at the Church on Sydney

Cornwall's Rock the Vote 2012 will be hosted by Jason Setnyk at "The Church on Sydney" on Saturday June 16th from 1pm to 10pm. The event will feature about 17 acoustic acts, an art show, an author's corner, and guest speakers that represent politics, charities, and non-profit groups. "We have the perfect venue for live music", says Setnyk. ‘The Church on Sydney” located at 130 Sydney Street in beautiful downtown Cornwall is a collaborative workspace that features vaulted ceilings, picturesque stained glass windows and gleaming hardwood floors. The venue was founded by local entrepreneur Brock Frost, and is the perfect place to host a show that promotes civic responsibility and participation.

"The purpose of Rock the Vote is to promote voting and volunteering amongst a younger demographic. Voting is like a muscle, the more we exercise it, the stronger our community becomes. Some young people are voting, and kudos to them, but many are not. An event like this is a good conversation piece to encourage and demonstrate why voting is important, and to celebrate the different ways people can participate and volunteer in their community. This kind of dialogue can start at an event like Rock the Vote, but it needs to continue at the dinner table and at school", explains Setnyk who is a high-school teacher, artist, and community volunteer.

The keynote speaker at this year's Rock the Vote is MPP Jim McDonell. The former mayor of South Glengarry was was elected MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry in 2011. His parliamentary roles at Queen's Park include being on the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, and he is the official opposition Critic of Consumer Services. There are many terrific speakers lined-up including Mayor of North Dundas Eric Duncan. At 22 years old Duncan was the youngest mayor elected in Ontario, and one of the youngest Mayor's elected in the history of Canada. Duncan has political experience working for Ontario MPP Jim Flaherty, and working as MP Guy Lauzon's executive assistant. Other politicians speaking are Cornwall City Councillor's Elaine MacDonald and Andre Rivette. Alyssa Blais who is Executive Director of the Agape, Karine Parthenais who is the founder of Sheconnex, Rose Megill who is the Chair of the City's Youth Advisroy Committee, Sarah Smith who is the founder of community development project "Friends of Rodney", and Fred Cappuccino who is a founder of Child Haven International have also been scheduled to talk.

Playing at Rock the Vote are Graham Greer, Sean Harley of Trench Town Oddites, Rodney Rivette, Sara Murphy, Switchgear, Kings Bishop, Boozehound, Bryden Avenue, Administrator, Roxanne Delage with Marc Carriere, Sandra Whitworth, Tommy Heatley, Chuck Leclair, Elly May, Keegan Larose, Jeremy Farkas, and francophone singer-songwriter Geneviève Lacroix. Greer who use to be in the Barstool Prophets is headlining this special event. He is a professional musician who has toured North America and has played some very well established festivals. Greer works as the Communications Coordinator of Aultsville Theatre, and he is active in the community. Graham Greer along with Rodney Rivette both serve on the City of Cornwall's Culture Committee.

This will be the first ever Rock the Vote that has an art show. When people enter the lobby of the venue they will be treated to an art show, and have a chance to meet some local authors. Artists lined-up thus far are Focus Art President and art teacher Sandra Taylor-Hedges, and published cartoonist Jay Schwartz. The theme of this year's art show is community. There will also be an author's corner, where a couple of young authors will promote their books. Ryann O'Byrne will have copies of her book Monarch, and first time author 18-year old Jaymie M Thurler will have copies of her new book My Mother Nature as well. There are more authors and artists to be announced.

Rock the Vote events have been well attended each year since its founding by Jason Setnyk and Elaine MacDonald in 2003. "In the past we have had Juno nominated musicians, and bands who have played Warped Tour, play at these Cornwall Rock the Vote concerts. We have had guest speakers including Jack Layton, MPP Jim Brownell, Mayor at-the-time Brian Sylvester, and various City Councillors speak as well", explains Setnyk. "This year's Rock the Vote is going to be fantastic again!".

For the latest info visit: http://www.cornwallunderground.com or thelocalseeker.com

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