Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons will headline a “Change We Need Rally” for the Obama-Biden ticket Wednesday in Downtown Indianapolis, according to a campaign release.

Simmons, who was instrumental in founding the early hip-hop group Run DMC, will appear at 7:30 p.m. at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, 617 Indiana Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m.

No tickets for admission are required; the event is first-come, first-served, according to the campaign.

Simmons, who also is an active philanthropist and a best-selling author, will stress the importance of this historic election, share Obama’s message of change and encourage Hoosiers to vote early.

More information is available from the Obama campaign by calling (317) 231-7116.