John Mellencamp came, saw and announced . .
Jul 17th, 2008 by Rosemary
This just in from my intern, Nicole Lonero:
Tuesdays, white tents always line the edges of Copley Square for the summer farmer’s markets held there — filled with vegetables, breads and even desserts.
But yesterday was different. Along the never-ending row of tents, only one fluttered with the excitement and attention of many.
Why? John Mellencamp was in town, here to speak for Farm Aid, a group that fincially suports the small family farm industry.Although, I’m familiar with Mellencamp’s songs — especially hits like “Jack and Diane” and “Hurts so Good” — I had no idea what to expect from this aging rocker.
Shoppers congregated inside the tent. I hesitated to dive right into the crowd — nothing about making a beeline through the mosh-pit of sweaty bodies looked appealing.
Instead I climbed on a nearby bench to hear Mellencamp speak about the importance of supporting local family farmers.Sporting a slick black suit and dark shades, he looked easy going. Loud speakers echoed with Mellencamp’s passion for a local food.
Embarrassingly enough, I realized during the rally that I knew nothing about Farm Aid, co-founded by Mellencamp. Farm Aid does everything from offering farmer training programs to coupons to make local food more affordable. Farm Aid raises money by hosting benefit concerts, featuring the likes of Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson (Farm Aid President) and Mellencamp.
Mellencamp didn’t speak for too long, but everything he said seemed to resonate with the audience. He also announceed that Farm Aid’s first music festival in New England, called Farm Aid 2008, will be taking place on Sept. 20. Featured performers include Mellencamp, Nelson, Matthews and Neil Young.
As the event wrapped up, the crowd dispersed. Reporters flocked to Mellencamp and followed him to the other side of the square. He waved, smiled and greeted everyone he passed, including my friend and me. Mellencamp seemed surprisingly down-to-earth, comfortable and in no hurry despite the aggressive reporters and cameramen clinging to his every movement.
Mellencamp was conducting interviews on the shaded steps of Trinity Church, a few feet away from his parked black Escalade. My friend and I tried to blend into the scene, slowly making our way towards him. Every time I looked up, awkward eye-contact with a suspicious security guard followed. He continuously looked at my friend and me as if we were armed and dangerous stalkers. I felt even more awkward when I noticed that we were the only two people on the church steps that weren’t wearing press passes.
We were about to turn back, when Mellencamp began making his way toward the Escalade. As protective security guards shielded him passed us, I jumped up and asked if he would take a picture with my friend and me. He casually said. “I’d love to.” The security guard offered to take the picture, and we all stood arm and arm for one flashing moment like old friends, not like the awkward stalkers we appeared to be.
So I went in to this experience not knowing much about John Mellencamp. Now I really want to attend Farm Aid 2008.
What: Farm Aid 2008, an annual benefit concert presented by Whole Foods and Horizon Organic. Featuring Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews, plus more to be announced.
Where: The Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA.
When: Saturday, September 20th.
How: Tickets will go on sale July 28th beginning at 10 a.m., at all Ticketmaster outlets: www.ticketmaster.com or calling (866) 448-7849. Farmyard is also offering special tickets on sale in advance to its Farm Yard members. Visit www.farmaid.org to become a member of Farm Aid’s Farm Yard.Here’s a picture of Mellancamp, the friend, Jaime Gilbert and Nicole.
