The 2008 Farm Aid concert will be held September 20 in Mansfield, Mass., as announced this week by Farm Aid co-founder, John Mellencamp. This is the first time in the concert's 22-year history that the show has taken place in New England.
"New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers," Mellencamp said. "We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats."
The Comcast Center venue is set to headline Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews. Additional acts are to be announced at a later date. In addition to music from the four board members, previous Farm Aid festivities have showcased performances from the likes of Montgomery Gentry, Counting Crows, the Allman Brothers Band, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, Trick Pony, Brooks & Dunn and more.
"We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England," said Farm Aid president Willie Nelson. "I'm looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers."
The event, sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic will feature local and organic foods at concessions, hands-on activities at the Homegrown Village, and of course, great music.
Tickets will be on sale via Ticketmaster July 28. Special advance ticket sales will be made available to FarmYard members. Visit http:// www.farmaid.org.
The first Farm Aid concert was held in 1985 to raise awareness about family farms and to help keep farmers on their land. To date, Farm Aid has raised more than $30 million to support agriculture.
