Despite recent health issues that forced each of them to cancel a series of shows, Neil Young and Willie Nelson are both set to take part in this year’s Farm Aid. The benefit show is set to take place on September 21 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Young and Nelson will be joined by John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, and Jesse Welles. Since the inaugural Farm Aid in 1985, it has raised nearly $80 million in assistance to farmers.
“We’re energized to be back in New York,” said Nelson, Farm Aid’s president and founder. “The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future.” (Billboard)