TALKIN' COUNTRY

with Sharon Pisinski


     RCA Records artist, Martina McBride, will release her Greatest Hits CD,
DVD and VHS on Sept. 18.  

    The collection, which follows her 1999 platinum-selling Emotion album,
includes 18 tracks: 13 of her biggest hits, one previous album cut plus four
new songs. The album's first single, “When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues,”
is headed for the top of the country charts as is the accompanying music
video. In addition, RCA will simultaneously release a package of 11 videos on
DVD and VHS, also titled Greatest Hits.

    On September 29, Martina will join founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and
Indiana’s own John Mellencamp at the sold out 2001 Farm Aid concert to raise
funds for America’s family farms. This will mark her fourth performance at
the prestigious and worthy event. This year's show, which will be held in
Noblesville, Indiana and broadcast on CMT, also features Dave Matthews and
Arlo Guthrie.

    Martina will perform in her first live pay-per-view concert from the
historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Martina McBride’s
Greatest: Live In Concert, produced by Spring Communications for pay-per-view
throughout North America as part of the One Night Only * concert series, will
air Oct. 13 at 9pm ET and again at 11pm ET.

    Speaking of Farm Aid, I will be covering this fine annual event once
again for Midwest BEAT, along with our Photo Editor, Roy Ferrer.  Watch for
next month’s column for a complete report and a plethora of photos
documenting the event.

    Everyone needs to eat. Most people would prefer to eat food that was good
for them. But how do you know what is “good” and what isn’t? Most people
shop quickly, coupons in hand, trying to find the best products for the best
price. In the rush of everyday life, it can seem impossible to find the time
to truly think about where your food comes from. American agriculture is at a
crossroads.

     Whether we have a future of factory farms or family farms is yet to be
decided. Each of our choices regarding the food we bring home to our families
affects which road we take. Farm Aid believes that the right way to grow our
food is on family farms run by the people who live in the rural communities,
drink the local water and breathe the air.

     Every time you buy vegetables from a family farm, at a farmers market,
or buy food with a “locally grown” or “organic” label you show that you
agree with the artists and organizers of Farm Aid.  By doing this, you cast
your vote in favor of a family farm system of agriculture.  A system that has
been the bedrock of America since our nation was founded.

    In the meantime, you can call 1-800-FARM-AID to make a donation to help
save America’s family farms.

     Take care until next month...