Farm Aid: Are you Enlightened?

[AmandaRuth]

Went to Farm Aid yesterday and it was fabulous. Saw a few GOP bumberstickers but plenty of Kerry bumberstickers and pins.

We got there 2 hours early in order to get a good place on the lawn (cheap seats) and while standing in line, started talking to the women in front of me. The conversation veered toward the political - where it can get sticky when talking to strangers. This women looked at me and said - "Where do you get your news from, Democracy Now, Air America - ARE YOU ENLIGHTENED?" Well, you can guess what I said, and we had one of those you're my new best friend type of conversations. I thought enlightenment was a perfect way to explain it.

I wish I had a set list to post, at times the music was very emotional (John Cougar "Pink Houses" - People were actually crying). A few GOP type asshats were in the crowd to boo and yell shut up when ever a performer would get even close to a political statement. My husband and I even commented that the performers seemed almost muzzled. The commentary was anti globalization (as far as food production), anti corp. and by extension anti boosh, but without saying his name. Neil Young made a serious statement to the crowd that they might not like what he will have to say in the next few months about the election, but not to take it out on Farm Aid. (I have a feeling that I will like what he has to say.) It saddened me that he would feel it necessary to make that statement, but that is the reality of the media/hard right these days. Steve Earl (bless him) commented that neither boosh, cheneys or kerrys children would be going to Iraq. He talked of his love and fear for his 2 sons, age 18 and 22. (I think I have those ages right).

Plenty of new young bands went on early, giving me new hope for the music scene. The main performers went like this - Lucinda Williams, Steve Earl, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Cougar, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, and Willie. I had never really been into Willie before, but ended up liking him way more than I thought I would.

It was a great day, even in the rain. I feel privileged that Farm Aid would pick western Washington for a tour stop. I am lucky to have been able to attend an event like this.

[KT2000]

1. Good report!

Sounds great.

[lakemonster11]

2. Farm Aid was awesome.

Dave Matthews' performance of Gravedigger was absolutely breathtaking, Willie Nelson was brilliant as usual, and Jerry Lee Lewis was there!

I wish it could have been more blatantly anti-Bush---but I suppose it's better that Farm Aid not piss off any of its supporters, even if they vote against farmer-friendly policies.