Dave Matthews To Join Founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp And Neil Young For Farm Aid 2001

Farm Aid
Monday, 6 August 2001

Tickets on Sale August 11 as Co-founders Bring Concert Back to Indiana

Indiana's own John Mellencamp, along with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, are bringing Farm Aid back to Indianapolis on Sept. 29. Dave Matthews, in a special solo performance, will join the three co-founders for the benefit concert in support of family farmers. Tickets for the show at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville, IN go on sale Saturday, August 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Mellencamp said it's been 11 years since Farm Aid was staged in Indianapolis and he welcomes the show back to his home state.

"Farm Aid represents farmers, small towns, and a lifestyle that could easily disappear from America. I look forward to the Indianapolis Farm Aid to help support and bring recognition to the trials and tribulations of our American farmers," said Mellencamp.

The all-day music benefit will feature the talents of Nelson, Young and Mellencamp, along with a fourth Farm Aid appearance by Matthews.

Farm Aid President Nelson said "The amazing spirit of a Farm Aid concert is unforgettable. It keeps farmers and fans inspired all year round. Indiana sure made Farm Aid welcome in 1990, and I'm looking forward to bringing the music of Farm Aid back to such an enthusiastic audience."

Tickets for Farm Aid 2001 will be $65 for "Corn Belt" seats, $50 for upper pavilion and $30 for the lawn. Tickets will be available at the Verizon Wireless Music Center Box Office, on-line at www.sfx.com, all Ticketmaster outlets (including Karma Records, Select Central-Indiana Kroger Stores, and L.S. Ayres), or Charge-By-Phone in Indianapolis (317) 239-5151.

Farm Aid 2001 will be telecast live for the fourth consecutive year by CMT: Country Music Television.

Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to raise public awareness about the plight of the American family farmer and to provide assistance to those families whose livelihood depends on agriculture. In the past 16 years, Farm Aid has granted nearly $16 million to over 100 farm organizations, churches and service agencies in 44 states. This year's event will be the 14th concert.

For more information, or to contact Farm Aid, see their website at: www.farmaid.org