Farm Aid Comes to NYC, September 9, 2007

No one would mistake New York City for Green Acres. But that didn't stop the folks behind Farm Aid from hauling their tree-hugging hoedown to our city for the first time in the event's 22-year history.
The 10-hour concert, which took place Sunday on Randalls Island, featured the usual farm-friendly headliners - Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews - plus a long line of featured acts, from the Allman Brothers to Counting Crows to Matisayhu. My 13 year old musician nephew, Jake was there with his mom Talya and friend Charlie. Amongst the tens of thousands of people there, I actually saw them!
From a photographer's point of view, this show stunk. Theer must have been at least 75 photographers and for some reason, all but 6 were crammed into the right side of the stage while the left side was pretty much empty. The PR people handling the event were not pleasant at all. We were told we would be rotating in groups (and were even given wristbands) but that only occured later int he evening, and once that happened we were no longer allowed on the platform. There was no room whatsoever to shoot from and when you are 5'2", even someone 5'5" in front was too tall.
14 hours on Randall's Island made me as red as a lobster.
Getting there was VERY scary since some idiot broke into my car the night before and only stole one thing--my driving glasses. Why on earth would someone steal prescription glasses?? They must have been vvery angry that there was nothing else in the car. Thanks to jason K for being my eyes and leading me off the island, and back onto MY island of Manhattan.