Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend Levon Helm is known locally as “an unbelievably generous man,” lending his time and talents – and his band as well – to good causes around the region. When that generosity is combined with love of the land and good ol’ country living and a wooden stage just waiting for a performer to come along, the results benefit us all. Once again, John and Loretta Gill are proud to present a free two-hour concert at the Fall Farm Fest at Gill Farm Stand on Route 209 in Hurley. Ratboy, Jr. is slated to open the festivities for Helm and friends. The concert takes place this Sunday, October 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. and highlights a day of face-painting, delicious autumn foods and pies, hayrides and a hay tunnel for the kids to explore and John’s famous pumpkin-launching cannon.

If you’ve driven along Route 209 when Helm is working out at Gill’s, you know how crowded the venue can be. Parking at the Farm Stand is extremely limited. This year, cars parked along the highway will be ticketed and towed, so the Gills are recommending that visitors park at Hurley Town Hall and take advantage of the free shuttle-bus rides to the venue and back.

The Levon Helm Band will also play on Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m. in Onteora High School’s Harry Simon Auditorium at 4166 State Route 28 in Boiceville. The Paper Planets will do an hourlong warmup for Helm and his band, which includes Amy Helm, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Howard Johnson, Clark Gayton, Steven Bernstein, Erik Lawrence, Jay Collins, Byron Isaacs, Brian Mitchell and Onteora alumnus Jim Weider. This concert is being organized by the parents, students and community of the Onteora School District for the purpose of benefiting the arts programs, and will include a silent auction. Musicians and fans take note: A new guitar signed by Levon is on the list of great items to be auctioned off!

Parent coordinator Maxanne Resnick stresses how fast Helm’s concerts are sold out, and says that the newly renovated auditorium is a small venue, seating fewer than 600. So buy your tickets now at www.levonhelm.com. VIP seating is $100, general admission $65, back-of-the-house seating is $45 and Onteora students can sit anywhere for $20.