Farm Aid takes place at New York’s Saratoga Performing Arts Center on September 21 this year, with Farm Aid board members Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews, plus Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with The Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, and Jesse Welles.
“We’re energized to be back in New York,” said Willie Nelson. “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.”
The announcement follows Neil Young & Crazy Horse cancelling the 10 last dates of their Love earth tour due to illness. Neil returned to Farm Aid last year after sitting out the 2021 and 2022 editions due to COVID concerns.
Willie Nelson recently had to miss the first eight shows of his Outlaw Music Festival tour, but returned to the stage on July 4. That tour–which also features Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, and more–has more dates up through September 20, the day before Farm Aid.
Watch Neil play “Heart of Gold” at Farm Aid 2023:
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Top photo: Neil Young & Crazy Horse at Forest Hills Stadium in May by P Squared. More here.