PHOTOS: 2018 Farm Aid Rocks the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford

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Monday, September 24, 2018

Photos by Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography

The 2018 Farm Aid benefit concert was held at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford on Saturday. This year’s star-studded lineup included Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Particle Kid. A sellout crowd of nearly 30,000 was in attendance to support the noble cause.

The annual benefit, which began in 1985 as a follow up to Live Aid, raises millions of dollars and awareness for the plight of American Farmers. The concerts have been held in various cities nationwide each year, headlined by Nelson, Mellencamp, Young, Matthews, and accompanied by a broad array of like-minded talent. Nelson, Mellencamp, Young, and Matthews serve as the organization’s board of directors.

The benefit’s opening ceremonies are always a highlight, this year with moving speeches from Mellencamp and Young, as well as numerous farmers in need. Mellencamp delivered an outspoken strike at corporate America and its impact on local farmers, while Young implored the audience to “never drive by a local farm stand.” The opening was closed with a colorful prayer led by Nelson and several Native Americans dressed in traditional garb.

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Many of today’s biggest musical talents used their voice to bring awareness to the problems facing today’s farmers. A passionate vibe filled the air, while the artists played inspiring sets including multiple songs of protest. The 2018 Farm Aid benefit concert was once again another overwhelming success, thanks to the pursuit of its steadfast organizers.

GoLocalProv was there to cover this blockbuster event.