Projo Politics Blog

Political junkies can learn a little bit about legislators’ and lobbyists’ music tastes at an event Friday.

The “Rock the Boat” fundraiser for the advocacy group Ocean State Action will give political types, including two lawmakers, slots as guest DJs. Each of the 12 guest DJs was allowed to choose two songs.

Political Scene asked for a sneak preview of the type of music attendees might expect.

From state Rep. Edith H. Ajello, D-Providence, you’ll likely hear two Fats Domino hits from the fifties: “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Blueberry Hill.”

Lisa Guillette, executive director of the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association — also leader of rallies in the State House rotunda and frequent spectator at budget hearings — is pegging her songs to issues. She’ll be playing Tears for Fears’ “Sowing the Seeds of Love” — the explanation: “In the midst of a budget deficit, we could all use a little love” — and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” — dedicated, Guillette said, to the people who need state services and programs.

Finding out the rest of the guest DJs’ selections requires buying a ticket ($25 in advance; $30 at the door; $15 for “students/low income”) and attending the event, which starts at 8 p.m. Friday at Ada’s Creations, 1137 Broad St., Providence.

The other guest DJs include state Sen. Paul E. Moura, D-East Providence; Vladimir Ibarra, of the lieutenant governor’s office; Chris Wilhite, of the Sierra Club; Stephanie Cannady, of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN; Ellen Gallagher, of the International Institute of Rhode Island; Maureen Martin, of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers; Chas Walker, of District 1199, Service Employees’ International Union; Jim Ryczek, of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, and Brenda Whittle and Jackie Dowdy, of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.

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