Jo Ann Holt
Backporch Productions is hosting the Farm Raise Music Festival, a benefit concert, at the Back Porch of Texas on August 1. The one-day event, presented by State Farm, brings together six popular Texas artists and bands plus special surprise guests. Artists include Kevin Fowler, Mark Powell, Hill Country, Bri Bagwell, Jerrod Medulla, and Della Rose. Additional special guests are expected to perform between sets.
The event features more than ten hours of wall-to-wall music, all in support of community revitalization. Thirty percent of ticket sales from the event will go to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch & Family Program.
Ben Richey Boys Ranch
Photo: envato elements
Abilene City Commissioner Ben Richey, a volunteer for youth programs like boxing and scouts, petitioned the city council for an Abilene Boys Ranch. He was concerned that some boys who lacked good role models ended up in trouble, both at school and with the law. Abilene Boys Ranch was founded in 1947, on 300 acres of land near Lake Kirby on the south side of Abilene.
Ben Richey and his wife Jamie moved to the ranch to help with the programs, which have grown over the years to include family programs as well as boys programs. After Richey’s death, the ranch was renamed for its founder. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the loss of three fundraising sources for the nonprofit Ben Richey Boys Ranch & Family Program this past year.
Farm Raise Benefit Concert
Gates open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1, with music starting at noon. Music continues throughout the day, with the concert ending at 10:30 p.m. Attendance at Farm Raise Music Festival will be limited to 3,500 guests (25% capacity). This includes tailgate spaces, RV spots, and limited VIP tickets. Social distancing and sanitation protocols will be enforced. Everyone attending the event is also asked to exercise personal responsibility and accountability.
The name “Farm Raise” is inspired by the old fashioned concept of a “barn raise”—a collective action of a community to build or rebuild for its own. Recognizing the pandemic’s toll on the greater workforce, Backporch Productions is also setting reduced patron ticket prices. Outlaws & Legends carryover ticket purchasers will receive an additional 30% off general admission and VIP Farm Raise tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, VIP and Sponsor Packages, please visit farmraisefest.com.
