Dave Matthews Joins Farm Aid Board Of Directors

Farm Aid
Friday, 5 October 2001

Farm Aid 2001: A Concert for America Brought Inspired Music to the Nation; Raised Funds to Strengthen Family Farmers

Dave Matthews was welcomed to the Farm Aid Board of Directors by founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp at the organization's annual benefit concert on Sept. 29 in Noblesville, Ind. Nearly 24,000 concert-goers attended the sold-out event at the Verizon Wireless Music Center and millions more viewed the nationwide broadcast live on CMT: Country Music Television.

"I am truly honored to be on Farm Aid's board," said Matthews. "I think at this time, since the tragedy on Sept. 11, we think more about what America is… it's about people waking up in the morning and loving this land and loving the people and wanting to make it a strong and healthy country."

Matthews' appointment marks the first time in its 16-year history that Farm Aid has added a new artist to its board of directors. In addition to his commitment to Farm Aid, Dave Matthews actively supports the Save Our Environment Coalition and has performed at numerous benefit concerts supporting a variety of causes. Dave Matthews Band, known for its musical innovation and dynamic performances, has sold over twenty million albums in only ten years and is consistently ranked as one of the top touring acts in the country.

Willie Nelson dedicated this year's Farm Aid benefit as a Concert for America to bring attention to the role family farmers play in making America strong and resilient, even in times of adversity.

Other highlights from the concert include:

- Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), attended the concert to thank America for its overwhelming support of his members and their families. He also accepted 5,000 pounds of farm-raised meat products from Patchwork Family Farms of Missouri and Farm Aid for relief efforts following the attack on the World Trade Center in New York. The truckload of food was delivered to the New York City Central Labor Council's Support Center on Tuesday (October 2).

- Schaitberger also accepted a $25,000 check representing donations from Farm Aid concert attendees matched by Clear Channel Entertainment and the Verizon Wireless Music Center. The funds were donated to benefit New York workers experiencing hardships as a result of the World Trade Center attack.

- The line-up included founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, as well as a solo performance by Dave Matthews, Martina McBride, Doobie Brothers, Arlo Guthrie, Acoustic Syndicate, Susan Tedeschi, Jimmy Reyser and Chris Knight.

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 more than 100 farm organizations, churches and service agencies in 44 states. This year's event was Farm Aid's 14th concert.

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