John Mellencamp Announces New England’s First Farm Aid Concert

Long before eating locally was “cool,” John (at the time, Cougar) Mellencamp was singing about how he lived in a small town, and how he could breathe in a small down. Now, with Farm Aid, he’s encouraging everyone to see how “small” their town can be by eating foods produced locally.

For the first time, Farm Aid will take place in New England –at Boston’s Copely Square Farmer’s Market on September 20, to be exact. Mellencamp, along with Willie Nelson and Neil Young first established Farm Aid in 1985 to raise awareness of family farms and help raise funds for farmers in need. They have raised over $30 million for their cause.

Dave Matthews first performed at Farm Aid in 1994 and, in 2001, was invited to join the board of directors and, along with the original three, takes part in the yearly concert. What’s cool about these concerts is that, while they might have corporate sponsors (this year it’s Whole Foods and Horizon Organics), the concession stands will serve 100% locally grown organic goodies from family farms.

Willie Nelson said it best, saying, “The only way to solve this is to do it locally. Let your neighbors grow your food so you don’t have to import it. That addresses not only the big expense, but the environmental problem. And at the same time you’re getting better food.” Right on, Willie — it’s a win-win!

If you’re interested in attending Farm Aid, tickets will be available at ticketmaster.com starting July 28.

Photo courtesy of starpulse.com