Chesney joins Farm Aid lineup

SOMERVILLE, Mass., July 28 (UPI) -- Country music star Kenny Chesney has joined the lineup of artists to perform at Farm Aid's first New England music festival, organizers said Monday.

Chesney is to join Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews for the event at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Mass., Sept. 20.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, livenation.com or by calling 866-448-7849.

"American family farmers are what this country is built on ... and they have fed us and kept us strong and healthy for how many generations?" Chesney, a Tennessee native, said in a statement. "Growing up in a small town outside Knoxville, it was a big part of who we were -- and it's something we as a country shouldn't lose. If I can help be part of that -- whether it's raising money, or awareness, or just letting those family farmers know someone knows and cares -- well, that's why I'm coming to New England."

Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid, added: "We are proud to again welcome Kenny Chesney to the Farm Aid stage for what will prove to be a remarkable day of music, food, awareness and action."