Dave Matthews News

Usual suspects John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and Dave Matthews are all aboard to perform at Farm Aid 2008, which will be held Sept. 20 at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Mass.

"New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers," Mellencamp said in announcing this year's all-star event. "We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats."

Aside from the foursome, all core Farm Aid boardmembers, the show will feature a slew of other acts still to be determined along with locally grown organic food and "hands-on activities" in the "Homegrown Village," which will show the connection between the land and the stuff people stock in their pantries.

"We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England," said Nelson, Farm Aid's president. "I'm looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers."

Now entering its 23rd year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives.

The September benefit, sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic, will also aim to bring Bostonians healthier choices by supporting a project that enables vendors to accept food stamps to help more families shop at farmers markets.

Tickets for New England's first Farm Aid will go on sale July 28 via Ticketmaster. Advanced tickets are available now to all members of Farm Aid's FarmYard via the charity's official website.