Hobart and William Smith Colleges

10 September 2007 Putting the MOCK in democracy: Tickets free for students

Their musical and political satire have received rave reviews from notable audience members ranging from journalist Larry King to former president George H. W. Bush. They have performed on every major television network and recorded 27 albums.

At 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, Hobart and William Smith Colleges will host the Washington-based troupe The Capitol Steps, at the Smith Opera House. The group of Congressional staffers-turned-songwriters will perform spoken word and renditions of popular songs based on current events. Most members have spent time working on Capitol Hill, with a collective total of 62 years experience. Working for both Democratic and Republican politicians, they draw on their collective tenure for inspiration in penning their material.

You dont have to be political to enjoy it. Theyre great performers, said Allyson Doherty 08, the public policy major who initiated the groups Geneva concert, and who has enjoyed their performances several times.

The Capitol Steps constantly update their material to reflect current events. Recent targets include Sen. Barack Obama in A Leader Named Barack, based on Leader of the Pack; and the plethora of potential presidential candidates in 76 Unknowns, which parodies 76 Trombones.

Select songs are available for download on the Capitol Steps Web site (http://www.capsteps.com). Admission to the concert is $15 for the public and $10 for HWS students. Coupons for a $5 discount are also available from CAB by attending one of their sponsored events.

Tickets are available at the College Store, at the Smith box office, or through the Smith Opera Houses Web site (http://www.thesmith.org; click on Calendar, then scroll down to the event).

Capitol Steps tickets for all HWS students are FREE and may be claimed at the Smith Opera House this evening with a valid HWS ID.