Jack White, Neil Young, Willie Nelson to Headline Farm Aid
Farm Aid is coming to Raleigh, North Carolina’s Walnut Creek Ampitheater on September 13th, and this year Jack White will be joining board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews on the bill. Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jamey Johnson, Delta Rae, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Carlene Carter, Pegi Young & The Survivors, and Insects vs Robots are also playing. Tickets go on sale August 1st at 10:00 am EST.
Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson Triumph At Soggy Farm Aid
“In North Carolina and across the Southeast, family farmers have struggled to stay on the land, but they have also pioneered new roads to economic sustainability,” Farm Aid president Willie Nelson said in a statement. “This region knows the value of its farmers and offers increasing opportunities for new farmers to build a strong regional food system. On the Farm Aid stage Saturday, September 13, we’ll celebrate family farmers and the healthy communities they’re growing for all of us.”
The first Farm Aid, which was inspired by offhand comments Bob Dylan made about struggling family farmers at Live Aid, was held September 22nd, 1985 at Champaign, Illinois’ Memorial Stadium. With the exception of 1988 and 1991, it’s been held every year since, attracting everyone from Guns N’ Roses to Phish to Lou Reed.
“There is a fair-like feeling when you go to Farm Aid,” John Mellencamp said in a statement. “All day long, people are performing onstage and food from family farmers is being served. It’s a great occasion for families to come listen to great music and teach their children about where their food comes from. We’re proud to bring Farm Aid 2014 to North Carolina for the first time to feature the family farmers whose hard work and innovations are essential for all of us.”
Last year’s Farm Aid was held at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center, and featured the last major public appearance by Pete Seeger.