Big Star was an amazing band from Memphis, TN that put out a couple of records in the late 70s that are seminal in the rock canon.  In fact, you probably know one of their songs: “In the Street” was used as the theme song of “That 70s Show” (though that’s Cheap Trick, not Big Star, performing the song).

The lead singer/songwriter of Big Star was Alex Chilton, who as a teenager was in the band The Boxtops. Alex passed away last March of a heart attack. He didn’t have health insurance at the time.

Since his passing, there have been a number of benefit shows and tribute nights involving the remaining members of Big Star, and a cavalcade of musical friends.  But their biggest show is yet to come.

On Saturday, March 26 an incredible lineup of folks will be hitting the stage in New York City for Big Star’s Third Live. The show is a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic.

Big Star’s Third Live
Saturday, March 26, 2010
http://bigstarthird.com/

Mason Hall at Baruch Performing Arts Center
55 Lexington Ave, New York NY 10010

LINE-UP
Tift Meritt
Matthew Sweet
M. Ward
Mike Mills (R.E.M.)
Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub)
Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo)
Chris Stamey
Fan Modine
Mitch Easter
The Old Ceremony
Matt Mcmichaels
Charles Cleaver

Tickets are available here. Proceeds from the show go to supporting the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.  If you’re on Facebook, spread the word about this amazing show.

FMC has been paying close attention to the issue of musicians and health insurance for the better part of the decade. Along the way, we’ve conducted surveys and issued reports showing that musicians are among the most underinsured members of the American public. We’ve advocated for reform that would improve access for working artists. And, perhaps most significantly, we’ve worked to educate artists via our Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT). If you’re a musician, we urge you to check out the service, which provides FREE one-on-one phone consultations about your health insurance options.