Dixie Chicks Rock the Vote

The Dixie Chicks are teaming with Rock the Vote to encourage young
women to vote. The band unveiled the “Chicks Rock, Chicks Vote!”
campaign on Monday at a press conference at the Hotel Casa Del Mar
in Santa Monica, California.

“We always felt like we were searching for ways to make an
impact outside of music,” said singer Natalie Maines. “It’s such a
struggle because there’s so many causes. I’ve been waiting for
something that really grabs me, that I want to give a lot of time
to and passion to.”

Maines struck a political nerve in March when she told a London
audience the Chicks were “ashamed” that President Bush is from
their home state of Texas. At Monday’s press conference, the singer
acknowledged that the subsequent backlash and support served as a
catalyst for the Chicks’ involvement with Rock the Vote.

“I believe everything that’s happened in the last few months
happened for a reason,” said Maines. “A lot of positive things have
come from it, and this is just one of them. We’re very dedicated
and motivated about this now.”

As part of the campaign the Dixie Chicks donated $100,000 to
build a section of the Rock the Vote Web site devoted to providing
information about election issues. The band will also actively
promote online voter registration, and Rock the Vote street teams
will provide registration opportunities at Dixie Chicks
concerts.

Dixie Chicks’ tour dates:

7/23: San Diego, Cox Arena
7/25: Phoenix, America West Arena
7/27: Las Vegas, MGM/Mandalay Bay
7/29: San Antonio, SBC Center
7/30: Houston, Compaq Center
8/1: Little Rock, AR, Alltel Center
8/2: Memphis, The Pyramid Arena
8/3: Atlanta, Phillips Arena
8/4: Nashville, Gaylord Entertainment Center