Capitol Steps

The Capitol Steps were born in December, 1981 when three staffers (Elaina Newport, Jim Aidala and the late Bill Strauss) for Senator Charles Percy were planning entertainment for a Christmas party. Ignoring all ramifications, they set out to mock employers and various government officials. Much like a political version of Saturday Night Live, their song parodies and skits convey a special brand of satirical humor.

The Steps make a mockery of current events and powerfully famous political figures such as Sarah Palin, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. They draw upon comedic relief to soothe the seriousness of worldly drama and congressional issues.


Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded over 30 albums, including their latest, Liberal Shop of Horrors and Barackin' Around the Christmas Tree. They have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials. The Steps have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. They have also performed for five U.S. Presidents.

See The Steps perform live January 19-23, 2011 at the Wilson Center for the Arts. Contact The Artist Series at (904) 632-3373 for more information or visit our website http://www.artistseriesjax.org/.