Farm Aid '08 to take place in Boston

BOSTON, July 15 (UPI) -- Recording artist John Mellencamp stopped by Copley Square Farmers Market in Massachusetts Tuesday to announce that Farm Aid 2008 is to take place in Boston.

The all-star benefit concert is scheduled for Sept. 20 and will mark the first time the annual event will take place in New England.

Mellencamp, co-founder of Farm Aid, made the announcement alongside farmers and food buyers, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

"New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers," Mellencamp said. "We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats."

Set to headline the concert are Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and Dave Matthews, plus other top artists to be announced.

"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," Farm Aid President Willie Nelson said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers."