This Sunday, Hanson comes to the State Theatre.

I know, I know, this is great news. Unfortunately, Hanson fans who don't have tickets are out of luck. The show's been sold out for a while now. Sorry.
On a brighter note, you'll still have a chance to participate in the walk for charity Hanson will be holding that day.

The walk, which is in conjunction with Hanson's "Walk Around the World Tour," will raise awareness for TOMS Shoes, a charity that delivers shoes to needy children in Africa. For each walker who participates, Hanson donates a dollar.

This is a great idea. Who better to convince people to get involved than famous people in bands? Granted, Hanson isn't the huge cultural icon it once was. But the show did sell out, so someone still cares.

If you're not sold on the idea, maybe this'll work: the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band are coming to the Bryce Jordan Center on Monday to support Barack Obama's campaign.

Bruce Springsteen held a similar concert to raise awareness for Obama's campaign a few days ago in Philadelphia. MTV's Rock the Vote campaign came to State College with a concert featuring Locksley, Hymns and the Bullet Parade. Bands get the word out in a way that no one else can.

Also, like Obama or not, the Grateful Dead are a pretty big deal. When a band supports a cause, people listen. This is the first time since 2004 these four original members have performed together, and they're doing it in State College.

On that note, people who've complained that the Grateful Dead shouldn't get involved in Obama's campaign are kidding themselves. The Dead were a huge part of the counterculture movement during Vietnam. The remaining members are original hippies.

It's more natural for these guys to get involved in a political movement than almost anyone else. Has anyone asked Ted Nugent to hold a concert for McCain? I'd go to that too.

It remains to be seen how much bands actually help the causes they stand for, but it's certainly nice to see bands exercising their considerable influence for a good cause.

- Andrew