'
Since the inaugural concert in 1985, the annual Farm Aid benefit concert has remained a landmark event that draws thousands of participants of all ages. This renowned festival, which raises money to help American farmers, is known for attracting the best talent from the rock, folk, country and blues genres. Farm Aid was originally intended to be a one-time event, but the organizers realized that farmers faced significant challenges that could not be overcome with only one concert. As a result, the benefit became an annual festival and now has a Board of Directors that includes the three original founders:
Neil Young
,
Willie Nelson
and
John Mellencamp
.
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After being conceived of by its founders, Farm Aid debuted in 1985 in Champaign, Ill. That first concert drew 80,000 attendees and saw the festival stages graced by some of the greatest music legends of our time, including
Billy Joel
,
B. B. King
,
Bon Jovi
,
Roy Orbison
,
Tom Petty
, Neil Young,
Foreigner
and
Bob Dylan
. Since its inauguration, Farm Aid has provided financial assistance to numerous farming families across the US, helping them to pay mortgages and recover from crop failures. In the past, Farm Aid monies have also been used to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. The concert takes place in a different city each year. Young, Nelson and Mellencamp not only perform but lend their efforts to recruiting some of the best talent in the music world.
''Farm Aid is recognized as a major annual event that hosts some of the most highly-acclaimed talent in the music business. Tickets usually sell out well in advance of the concert, so you can turn to StubHub, the world's largest online ticket marketplace, to secure your Farm Aid tickets.'
'Young, Nelson and Mellencamp were motivated to organize Farm Aid after Bob Dylan described the financial plight of American farmers during his performance at the Live Aid concert earlier in 1985. When the three learned more about the extent of farmers' debt problems, the musicians were inspired to rally their fellow performers for another major benefit concert.'
'You can expect to hear some of the best country, rock, folk and blues music artists play to a large and excited audience. Local vendors will offer a wide selection of sustainably sourced food items that have been grown by local farmers. Other festival offerings include local craft beers and cider, all produced using ecologically sound methods. Because the show benefits farmers, they are also heavily involved in supplying the event. Of course, there will be concert memorabilia and collectibles for purchase at several kiosks that will be set up throughout the event.'
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For more than 30 years, Farm Aid has hosted hundreds of performers, including
Phish
,
John Mayer
and
Kid Rock
. The lineup changes each year and reflects a range of musical styles.
''Over the years, there have been official recordings of concert performances. The Farm Aid radio special was produced at the KUPI radio station and broadcast as a one-hour program that included commercials for sales of concert memorabilia. The 2007 concert, which took place on New York City's Randall's Island, was recorded and broadcast on HDNet. AXS TV, a station based in North Carolina, provided live broadcasts of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Aid concerts.'
'Farm Aid begins at 10 a.m. and usually lasts until sundown. Not all performers will remain at the event throughout the duration, but some vendors will still be there until the official closing of the venue.'