Why Bernie Sanders Made a Surprise Appearance at Noah Kahan's Concert (No, It's Not Political!)

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: Bernie Sanders; and Noah Kahan.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Bernie Sandersmade a surprise appearance atNoah Kahan’s most recent concert — but it wasn’t to raise any campaign funds.

“I know you all came to hear a three hour speech, right?” Sanders joked. “Look, I am a very lucky guy tonight because I have the honor of introducing not only one of the great artists, songwriters, singers in Vermont, but actually somebody who is world renowned.”

Bernie Sanders in Washington D.C. in April 2024.Andrew Harnik/Getty

Andrew Harnik/Getty

“Noah has made his mark in countries throughout the world, but he hasn’t forgotten where he came from — Strafford, Vermont!” the senator continued to cheers from the hometown crowd.

Local CBS affiliateWCAXreported that benefit concert was completely sold-out, and the state’s Gov. Phil Scott also dubbed the day of the performance“Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project Day” in Vermont.

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“What I really appreciate about Noah is not only his artistic ability but his understanding that a lot of people in our state and around the country who are in need. He developed a program, as many of you know, and some of the proceeds from tonight are gonna go into that program,” Sanders said. “And it deals with a very serious issue of mental health for kids in rural areas.”

Kahan performs during the 2023 Austin City Limits festival in Texas.Erika Goldring/FilmMagic

Erika Goldring/FilmMagic

This isn’t the first time Sanders has honored Kahan — whose TikTok-famous song “Stick Season” even references his home state in the lyrics — as a respected Vermonter. In January 2023, the senator shared an interview with the singer to his officialYouTube pageas well as apress release, where he wrote about Kahan’s contributions to the state as a musician.

“What makes Noah’s success particularly interesting is that ‘Stick Season’ is about his life right here at home. Noah calls the album a nuanced love letter to our state, to New England, and to growing up and living in small, rural towns,” Sanders wrote at the time.

“Bottom line is music is extraordinarily important in bringing people together,” the senator added. “And Noah’s music is doing that, while also capturing and telling some of Vermont’s unique story as well.”

source: people.com