Farm Aidwill broadcast performances from its 30th anniversary concert on national cable and satellite TV network AXS on January 10th. The show was held in Chicago on September 19th and hosted performances by board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews, as well as Jack Johnson, Kacey Musgraves and Mavis Staples.
In addition to featuringsetsfrom its most recent lineup, the organization will feature archival film from its previous concerts, which benefit Americas family farmers via support programs. According to Billboard,the lateB.B. King, who died last year,will be among the performers featured from earlier concerts. Archival footage from the Allman Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy and John Mayer will also be included in the special.
We organized the first Farm Aid concert in Illinois in 1985 to respond to the people suffering during the Farm Crisis,Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson said in a statementabout its 30th anniversary. Thirty years later, in Chicago, well bring together so many of the people farmers, eaters, advocates and activists who have made the progress of the Good Food Movement possible. At Farm Aid 30, well celebrate the impact weve had and rally our supporters for the work ahead.
Farm Aid is the longest-running concert for a cause in America. Since its inception, it has raised $48 million dollars. Its inspiring to see Neil Young and Willie out here getting fired up about this issue, Kacey Musgraves toldRolling Stone during its 30th anniversary event. Its total bullshit how our food is regulated in this industry. Clean, healthy food isnt a luxury. . . its a right.
The 90-minute TV special airs on January 10th at 8 p.m. ET.