How would Twiddle follow appearances from Page McConnell of Phish in 2016 and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead in 2017 at this year’s installment of the group’s Tumble Down music festival in Burlington’s Waterfront Park? How about an introduction from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders?

The 2016 presidential candidate took the stage and urged attendees to vote against President Donald Trump in 2020. His remarks came ahead of a shortened set from Twiddle as severe weather led organizers to end the evening after just four songs. Senator Sanders previously sent two letters of appreciation to the Vermont-based quartet to thank Twiddle for hosting the first two installments of Tumble Down.

Live For Live Music transcribed portions of Senator Sanders’ speech at Tumble Down in Burlington:

Your generation is the most progressive generation in the history of Vermont. Your generation is helping to lead the fight against racism, sexism, malicious bigotry, homophobia, xenophobia, and all the other phobias that Trump is trying to push now. Your generation understands that climate change is real. You understand that we have to public colleges and universities tuition-free; that we have to substantially lower student debt; that we have to bring about real criminal justice reform, immigration reform; that we will not accept Trump and his friends tearing babies from the arms of their mothers. Let me also say, your vision is not going to be implemented unless you get involved in the political struggle. That means you got to register to vote, you got to get involved in campaigns, you got to run for office yourself. If your generation can do that, we can transform this country. We can defeat Trump and his friends to make the kind of beautiful nation we know we can become.

Senator Bernie Sanders went on to thank Twiddle not only for what they’ve done in the past but for what the future holds. He called the quartet “one of the great bands in Vermont” before welcoming the group to the stage. Twiddle kicked off what turned out to be an hour-long set with a well-jammed “White Light.” Next came a romp through “Drifter” and an extended “Doinkinbonk.” The foursome played “Syncopated Healing” and then informed the crowd of the need to evacuate.


Twiddle will make it up to fans by performing three sets on Saturday. Here’s Sanders’ speech:

Watch video of the group’s shortened Friday night set captured by Michael Liacos:

[Day One Recap]


Setlist

Set: White Light, Drifter, Doinkinbonk, Syncopated Healing

[Hat Tip – Live For Live Music]