Rejuvenated and reborn with the success of 2017’s full-length album America, Location 12, Dispatch remains occupied by lighting up stages for audiences far and wide – it appears they have no plans to deviate from that for the foreseeable future. The Middlebury, VT based trio have announced they’ll be hitting the road for a summer tour with support from Nahko and Medicine for the People!
America, Location 12 was the first musical output from Dispatch in over five years, and marked their sixth full-length album dating back to their musical inception in 1996. The record was high on our radar last year with chock-full of acoustic goodness, reggae, bluegrass and plenty of rock-driven moments. Since its release, the trio has maintained a steady pace of tour dates, including a few festivals and their first ever acoustic tour last Fall.
[Related: Dispatch Announce First Ever ‘Acoustic Tour’]
The band has never had a problem filling seats at their shows, and the addition of America, Location 12 has only re-emphasized their ability to do just that. Their summer tour will feature 33 dates from June 16th to September 21st, including stops at the acclaimed Red Rocks, LA’s the Greek Theatre, SummerStage and more. The band also released their new single last week entitled “Dear Congress, (17)” — the single sets it sights to help raise awareness for reducing gun violence in America which can be heard below.
Joining Dispatch for all dates will be Nahko Bear and his reggae ensemble Nahko and Medicine for the People. The Oregon-native is no stranger to large crowds either, bringing acoustic and alternative folk-rock music to the stage to pair elegantly with the similar elements brought by Dispatch. Nahko and Medicine for the People are also still reeling from the success of their most recent album HOKA, which debuted at #10 on Billboard’s Rock Album Chart.
Nahko has been listening to Dispatch for years, and expressed his excitement for the upcoming pairing this summer: “I remember years ago, before I started touring, listening to Dispatch and loving their music. It’s a dream to be sharing stages with them this summer! It is equally pleasing to weave with their intention to support First Nations people, culture, and ways through charity, partnerships, and multimedia on this tour. As a voice and advocate for Indigenous rights, social justice, and traditions it is important to me that we collaborate with music and art that aligns with our ideals and messaging. There is magic brewing, I can feel it! My hope is that Dispatch fans will feel the musical alchemy between all the bands and take courage, be inspired, and be moved to action. Together, through music and action, we build bridges and walk them as a community sharing a mutual dream of harmony.”
The tour has been stated to encompass the goal of raising awareness and funds for First Nations communities, and bring to light other Native American issues. Fundraising efforts as well as proceeds from Native designed merchandise will go towards supporting and rebuilding Native American schools. Additionally, the tour will also have support from Raye Zaragoza and Scatter Their Own, in addition to featuring Rebelution and Stephen Marley for their July 14 appearance at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion.
Related Links:
Dispatch Website
Dispatch Facebook
Nahko and Medicine for the People Facebook
Article By: Brian Glaser
Listen: Dispatch – “Dear Congress, (17)”
Watch: Nahko and Medicine for the People – “Love Letters to God”