The principal artists behind Farm Aid — Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews — have announced this year’s Farm Aid concert. The show will take place at Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on September 22.
“The Farm Aid concert is our chance to shine a spotlight on the independent family farmers who are essential to the well-being of our country,” said Nelson, who is the Farm Aid president, in a press statement.
First held in 1985, Farm Aid is the longest-running benefit concert series in the U.S., having raised more than $39 million.
All four principals are, as usual, scheduled to play the concert. Nelson and Mellencamp generally perform with their long-time touring bands. Neil Young, however, is touring with Crazy Horse this year, so it’s expected that he’ll perform with them with him at the show. Dave Matthews will perform with frequent collaborator Tim Reynolds as an acoustic duo.
Farm Aid 2012 logo #johnmellencampinstagr.am/p/M3OhXDObXJ/
— John Mellencamp (@johnmellencamp) July 9, 2012
Also on the bill will be Willie’s son Lukas Nelson, Neil’s wife Pegi Young, and surfer-turned-rock star Jack Johnson.
More artists will likely be announced in the next few weeks. In recent years, Farm Aid performers have included Kenny Chesney, The Allman Brothers Band, Jamey Johnson, Billy Joe Shaver, Norah Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis and The Pretenders.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on this Friday, July 13 at 10 am ET. For more information on Farm Aid and to get tickets, go to their website.
— Brian Ives, CBS Local
