Gretchen Wilson Joins Star-Studded Concert Roster for Farm Aid 2009

Gretchen Wilson's most popular hit singles include "All Jacked Up," "Here for the Party" and "Redneck Woman." Born in Pocahontas, Illinois, 36-year-old Gretchen Wilson has been associated with the Musik Mafia, which also includes Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy, James Otto and other modern country music stars.

What is Farm Aid 2009?

The all-day music festival, presented by Horizon Organic, will be held on Sunday, October 4^th, at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Events include musical performances by big-name stars, as well as plenty of food. Homegrown concessions will include local and organic foods grown by family farmers.

Farm Aid 2009 performers include Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Titty Bingo, The Blackwood Quartet, Will Dailey, Ernie Isley & the Jam Band, Jamey Johnson, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Jason Mraz, Lucas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Willie Nelson, Phosphorescent, Tim Reynolds, Billy Joe Shaver, Wilco, Neil Young and Gretchen Wilson.

What is Farm Aid all about?

Since 1985, annual Farm Aid concerts have raised awareness and donations to support family farming in America. Rock musicians Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young formed the first Farm Aid that year to draw attention to family farm losses and raise much-needed funds. In nearly two decades, Farm Aid has raised almost $35 million to support family-based agricultural efforts.

"I've always believed that the most important people on the planet are the ones who plant the seeds and care for the soil where they are grown," said Willie Nelson, Farm Aid board president.

"If there is hope for family farmers in America, then there is hope yet for America," commented country rocker John Mellencamp, who serves on Farm Aid's board.

"The family farm is a main ingredient of what made America," said musician and Farm Aid board member Dave Matthews.

"Just as rock & roll is loud and proud, so is Farm Aid," said rocker and Farm Aid board member Neil Young. "Farm Aid's greatest accomplishment, I believe, is in the spirit. It's the fact that we represent the spirit of the good fight, to keep something good happening. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger."

With Willie Nelson as president, The Farm Aid board includes David Anderson, Paul English, Richard Fields, Joel Katz, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Lana Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Evelyn Shriver and Neil Young.

Will Farm Aid 2009 be telecast?

The Farm Aid 2009 concert will be broadcast live in high-definition on The 101 Network of DIRECTV. For the exclusive broadcast, DIRECTV has guaranteed to match customer donations up to $50,000 (through October 31, 2009).

Internet viewers may watch the Farm Aid 2009 program online through live-streaming webcast at FarmAid.org, starting at 5:00 p.m. (ET) on October 4^th.

Sources:

http://www.gretchenwilson.com
http://www.farmaid.org