September 21 marks another year of Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and friends in Saratoga Springs, New York. Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young will perform, along with a bill of other amazing artists.
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Right now, Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, and Jesse Welles have been announced. Additional artists will be announced as the concert draws closer.
“We’re energized to be back in New York,” said Willie Nelson, Farm Aid president and founder, in a statement per Billboard. “The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future.”
As is customary for Farm Aid, the event will not only feature a concert. It will also have homegrown food and agricultural experiences. Farm Aid has long been an event for great music, but also for learning experiences about agrarian issues and culture. The event has raised more than $80 million over the past 30 years to help farmers.
Willie Nelson Returns for Farm Aid After Health Issues During Outlaw Music Festival
During the Outlaw Music Festival, Willie Nelson had to take a break from performing on doctor’s orders. He missed a handful of appearances during the festival tour, but his son, Lukas Nelson, stepped in and wowed audiences with his performances of his dad’s classic songs.
When Nelson returned to the stage, he did so to rapturous applause from every crowd. He made his return appearance at the annual Fourth of July Picnic that he’s been holding since 1973, fittingly performing “On the Road Again” during his set.
Willie Nelson will indeed be on the road again, as he seems to be doing better after his health issues. He performed throughout the rest of the festival tour, which concluded on July 7 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Featured Image by Joeff Davis/Shutterstock
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