Ben Harper serenaded Cedar Rapidians on behalf of Hillary Clinton

Ben Harper performs in support of Hillary Clinton at Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. -- photo by Zak Neumann — Ben Harper performs in support of Hillary Clinton at Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. See full gallery below. — photo by Zak Neumann

Three-time Grammy winner Ben Harper performed a free concert at the Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids Thursday afternoon to encourage voters to get out and support Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

“It’s a sticky business — music and art and politics,” Harper said. “But you all know why I’m here.”

Harper spoke briefly to the audience, describing his great-grandmother who came to the country from Russia and his family business, a music store in Claremont, California.

“America has made my family what it is,” he said. “I’m basically a small business owner that made good on a few songs.”

Ben Harper signs Sidney Westgard's shirt following a campaign event at Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. -- photo by Zak Neumann — Ben Harper signs Sidney Westgard’s shirt following a campaign event at Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Although his business just breaks even each year, Harper said he pays taxes, referencing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns and his statement during the second presidential debate that he avoided paying taxes for years.

“I can’t justify voting for somebody who doesn’t pay taxes,” he said.

He added that although Clinton is facing criticism for her use of a private server while secretary of state, “she had the humility to apologize. You’ve got to vote for somebody who takes a hit. Somebody who pays taxes. And that’s my rant. I’m out.”

Jai Westgard, of Iowa City, who attended the rally with her family, said she came out on Wednesday to see Harper play, but she has supported Clinton from the beginning.

“First and foremost, she’s a woman,” she said. “Second, she’s capable of leading. And she just has a progressive nature.”

Her son Sidney walked away with the singer’s signature scrawled across his T-shirt and a message: “Rock On!”

Photos by Zak Neumann

Musician Ben Harper autographs a sign for Andrea Roger during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Ben Davis adds some campaign signs to the windows at Iowa Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids prior to a rally for Hillary Clinton on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann