Willie Nelson, friends rock Farm Aid

By Lorena Blas, USA TODAY

Posted September 23, 2012

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Willie Nelson, left, plays with Neil Young during Farm Aid 2012. (Credit: Jacqueline Larma, AP)

While television stars hit the pre-Emmys parties and lounges in Hollywood on Saturday, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews hit the stage at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania to bring attention to the nation's farmers.

Thousands packed the stadium to check out performers on the lineup at the event, reports The Patriot-News.

Nelson, Young and Mellencamp have been participating in Farm Aid concerts since 1985, when the annual event was started at the University of Illinois.

Saturday's event was a family affair for the superstars.

Young's wife's band took to the stage. He joined Pegi Young and the Survivors for one song during their appearance.

Nelson's son, Lukas, and his band, Promise of the Real, also performed early in the day.