Published at 6:01 PM on August 26, 2008

By Loren Lankford

Alejandro Escovedo, Kanye, many more perform at DNC

The Democratic National Convention kicked off last night in Denver, Colo. with a tribute to Ted Kennedy and a heartwarming speech from Michelle Obama. All well and good, mind you, but it's the four-day bonanza of musicians set to perform that boggles the mind. While music has been prevalent in campaigns for the last few decades, Barack Obama and the DNC take the cake with a truckload of inspiring and interesting choices for this year's convention.

Tonight's entertainment features a set from DNC newbie and Texas rocker Alejandro Escovedo, who is set to play "People (We're Only Going to Live So Long)" at 5:45pm MST. In a statement, the veteran rocker had this to say: "These are unbalanced times, and great change is needed. To be included in this celebration of the dignity and freedom of women and minorities is an honor."

Outside of the convention walls many democratic-leaning celebs are lending their songs for support all over Denver. NPR reports sets from Kayne West, the Black Eyed Peas, Cyndi Lauper and Willie Nelson while Pitchfork lays out details about performances from Ben Gibbard, Jenny Lewis, Zooey Deschanel, Matthew Caws and Jonathan Rice.

For information on various events involving your favorite artists, check out:
Unconventional 08'
League of Conservation Voters
DNC 08' schedule

Related links:
Feature: Alejandro Escovedo: More Miles Ahead
Review: Real Animal
Catching Up With... Alejandro Escovedo

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