Just as Joe Ely hoped, music fans expected his Tornado Jams to become an annual tradition. But “Joe Ely’s Third Annual Tornado Jam” was different. It was a festival professionally produced, with world-class artists joining local acts, the event was no longer free, and unfortunately, Mother Nature got involved.
In previous years, private donations and the City of Lubbock’s Parks and Recreation Department provided great assistance to the Jams, including funding for security, lighting and power, transportation costs and the like, and performers played for free.
But promoter Steve Moss suggested a new approach: fence the park area, charge admission to fans, and sell beer. Although beer sales were never approved (as alcohol was prohibited in Lubbock parks), by late March, tentative plans were agreed on by Moss, other organizers and the City…