August 6, 2001 – Indiana's own John Mellencamp, along with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, are bringing Farm Aid back to Indianapolis September 29. Dave Matthews, in a special solo performance, will join the three co-founders for the benefit concert in support of family farmers. Tickets for the show at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville, IN, go on sale this Saturday, August 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Mellencamp said it's been 11 years since Farm Aid was staged in Indianapolis and he welcomes the show back to his home state.

"Farm Aid represents farmers, small towns and a lifestyle that could easily disappear from America. I look forward to the Indianapolis Farm Aid to help support and bring recognition to the trials and tribulations of our American farmers," said Mellencamp.

The all-day music benefit will feature the talents of Nelson, Young, Mellencamp and Matthews.

Matthews, who will be making his fourth Farm Aid appearance, said, "The family farm is a national treasure, and it is endangered. We cannot allow thoughtless government programs supporting corporate and factory farming to destroy such an integral part of this country's landscape. The threat is real. While I am honored to be a part of Farm Aid, I do hope that the time will come when America's family farms are allowed to survive and thrive on their own, and that our efforts will no longer be necessary."

Farm Aid President Nelson said, "The amazing spirit of a Farm Aid concert is unforgettable. It keeps farmers and fans inspired all year round. Indiana sure made Farm Aid welcome in 1990, and I'm looking forward to bringing Farm Aid back to such an enthusiastic audience."

Tickets for Farm Aid 2001, including parking, will be $68 for "Corn Belt" seats, $53 for upper pavilion and $33 for the lawn.

For the seventh consecutive year, Farm Aid and USA Harvest are joining forces to use the concert to collect and distribute donated food to local food pantries and shelters. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring durable food goods to the concert to help feed the hungry in the Indianapolis area.

Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to raise public awareness about the plight of the American family farmer and to provide assistance to those families whose livelihood depends on agriculture. In the past 16 years, Farm Aid has granted nearly $16 million to more than 100 farm organizations, churches and service agencies in 44 states. This year's event will be the 14th concert.