Farm Aid '97 is almost here so if you don't have a ticket, you'd better act fast.| For the past 12 years, Farm Aid has been assisting and supporting America's farming families who have been hit by hard times. This Saturday, Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp will take the stage with some of music's most influential artists to raise awareness, and more importantly, funds to help these families stay afloat.
On Oct. 4, the New World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, Ill., a suburb just south of Chicago, will welcome the three founders as well as the Dave Matthews Band, the Allman Brothers, Beck, John Fogerty, Steve Earle with the V-Roys, Leon Russell, Billy Ray Cyrus and others.
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 22,000 tickets out of a potential 28,000 seats have already been sold , but there are still good lawn seats left. Those tickets will run you $27.75 (includes parking fee), but for this great lineup and the amazing cause, what's a few bucks? The gates open at 2 p.m. so get there early for a great seat on the lawn. Tickets for Farm Aid '97 are available on JAMTV as well as all Ticketmaster locations.
If you can't make it to the show, JAMTV will webcast the entire concert live this Saturday. To tune in, come to JAMTV's Special Farm Aid Section all week to purchase tickets and to register for special prizes. Return on Saturday to watch the show in its entirety.
Since its inception in 1985, Farm Aid has granted more than $13 million to approximately 100 farm organizations, churches and service agencies in 44 states across the country. In the last 12 years, more than 250,000 farmers have lost their farms and every week, 500 farms go out of business. Further, in 1995, farmers only earned an average $5,000 per year from their farming operations.
The bottom line is this -- America's farmers need your help and Farm Aid is the perfect way for you to show your support. Head down to the New World Music Theatre this Saturday for a day filled with great music. And hey, remember that by enjoying yourself, you're helping another farmer stay on his feet. (Ari Bendersky)