The American Presidential race is in the home stretch, with candidates George Bush and John Kerry effectively tied in the polls. Since the race is so close, both sides are searching high and low for groups of voters open to their message. If you're young, and American, and in a hotly contested state, and you really don't care about any of this, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. The MoveOn PAC is attempting to raise political awareness in the young, rock-loving, politically inert youth of today by organizing a concert tour featuring some high-profile talent.

The Vote For Change Tour will travel to the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Washington and Arizona, giving music fans the opportunity to see shows featuring Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, REM, Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, the Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, John Mellencamp, Babyface Edmonds, Death Cab For Cutie, Jurassic 5, My Morning Jacket and a few other special guests. The bands won't all be playing at all of the shows, or in the same cities, but will be targetting various markets throughout the so-called "battleground states". Most of the performers will join together in a star-studded finale in Washington DC on Monday, October 11th.

Tour organizers hope that the concerts will raise awareness and inspire the sullen, self-absorbed youth of America to get off the couch and vote on November 2nd. Even if you're sick of politics and the American presidential race, this is a great opportunity to see some great shows.