Here's an update on the Vote for Change rock tour.

With military-like precision, some of the most powerful managers and agents in the music business have plotted a groundbreaking exercise in political activism: the pioneering Vote for Change tour. The eight-day tour begins Oct. 1 in Pennsylvania. It will number up to 40 shows, with several concerts in each of nine key "swing states" taking place at separate venues on the same night.

The acts involved -- Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M., Dixie Chicks, Pearl Jam and others -- are united in the common goal of voting President Bush out of office in November. "These artist citizens all feel the need to speak out," Jon Landau, longtime manager of Springsteen, told Billboard. "They will do that respectfully and intelligently, then let the chips fall where they may."

I put my name in on MoveOn's website for a chance to buy advance tickets. Chances are pretty slim I'll get them. Here are the shows I'd like to go to. If any of you have connections or an extra ticket, I'm there.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band / R.E.M. / John Fogerty / Bright Eyes

• Friday, Oct. 1 Philadelphia, PA
• Saturday, Oct. 2 Cleveland, OH
• Sunday, Oct. 3 Ann Arbor, MI
• Tuesday, Oct. 5 St. Paul, MN
• Friday, Oct. 8 Orlando, FL

Here's the full schedule for all the bands. The artists are waiving their fees--so are
many of their managers. I can't begin to imagine the logistics, especially with such short lead time. Good for them. This is a shot in the arm the Democrats sorely need.