This article will be little more than a puff piece--a promo item for a worthy cause, namely Groundwork 2001, a benefit for the Food and Agriculture Organization. An offshoot of the United Nations, the FAO aims to combat hunger by donating seeds, livestock, and farming equipment (from plows to irrigation systems) to the world's hungry.

Like I said, it's a very worthy cause--and Groundwork hopes to raise a wad of cash for the organization by putting on a week's worth of shows here in Seattle from October 14-22.

About the Event

There are three venues involved--the Paramount, EMP's Sky Church, and KeyArena--and the lineup for the week is fairly spectacular: Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Alanis Morissette, Ann and Nancy Wilson (from Heart), Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews (sans band), the Wallflowers, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Daniel Lanois, Chris Whitley, Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros, Shawn Smith, the Gents, Chocolate Genius, Joe Henry, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mana, Ferni Kuti & the Positive Force, Afro-Celt Sound System, DJ Nasir, and DJ Cheb i Sabbah.

Each of these bands has donated its time so that you can donate your cash.

How to Get to the Event

The Paramount: Located at 911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101, on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle, one block north of the Washington State Convention Center.

Driving directions: Going north on I-5, take the Olive-Denny Way exit. Go one block and turn right onto Melrose. Go one block and turn right onto Pine. Take Pine three blocks to Ninth.

Going south on I-5 take the Stewart Street exit. Follow Stewart to Ninth Avenue and turn left onto Ninth. Take Ninth two blocks to Pine Street.

Parking is available at several pay lots surrounding the theater. Covered parking is available at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center garages, located on Eighth Avenue. Covered parking is also available at the Pacific Place garage, located two blocks west of the theater.

EMP: Located at 325 Fifth Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109 (on the Seattle Center Campus).

Driving directions: From I-5 North or South Take exit 167 and follow the directional signs to Seattle Center (right on Fairview Ave, left on Valley St, Valley turns into Broad St, turn right on Harrison St). EMP will be straight ahead on Fifth Ave.

From Washington State Ferries, head north on Alaskan Way or Western Ave, turn right onto Broad St, left on Fifth Ave N. EMP will be on your left.

Parking: There are seven lots as well as street parking surrounding the Seattle Center Campus. The largest lot in close proximity to EMP is the Fifth Ave Parking Lot, located at Fifth Ave & Harrison St.

KeyArena: See EMP directions. Follow them and then walk across Seattle Center.

Closing Words
by Madonna
(Groundwork's Honorary Chair) Regarding Groundwork

"Food is our most intimate link with the earth. The lack of food cuts to the core of our dignity; its greatest casuality [sic] is hope. Together, we can ensure that Groundwork 2001 brings long overdue awareness to practical solutions to the fight against hunger."