Songs of Solidarity: The 1985 Farm Aid Concert

Duration:Temporary
Location:Campbell Gallery

(date) 8/29/2025–1/11/2026

At the peak of the 1980s farm crisis, the University of Illinois was the site of the first Farm Aid benefit concert—a landmark event whose reverberations continue 40 years later.

On September 22, 1985, 80,000 fans packed Memorial Stadium for a 14-hour show that was broadcast to a nationwide television audience. Star performers from country and rock music focused a powerful spotlight on deepening crisis conditions for American farmers. Led by country music superstar Willie Nelson, concert organizers sought to raise money and consciousness in solidarity with the growing outcry from families across America who were losing their livelihoods.

That first concert gave birth to the Farm Aid organization, which continues to support grassroots efforts for sustainability and justice in American agriculture. Farm Aid’s model of partnership between musical artists and grassroots organizations stands as a unique model of the songs of solidarity.

Created in collaboration with the Champaign County History Museum and students from the UIUC History Harvest class, this exhibit features photos, documents, and objects from the first Farm Aid concert, stories from the farm crisis, and hope for the future of American farming.

Join us for the public opening on Sunday, September 21, with remarks by exhibit curator Professor Dan Gilbert (History, Labor and Employment Relations) and light refreshments highlighting local ingredients.

Image courtesy of Jack Brighton, the Champaign County History Museum, and Farm Aid.

Photo Gallery

A shot showing the entrance to the exhibit.

A picture of an artist poster behind the entrance.

A picture of a variety of artists who performed in the event

An image of the part of the exhbiti about farming with one showing a big field and the other showing information.

An angle shot showing part of the exhibit

A picture of a few of the posters in the exhibit with a focus on one the red tractor board

A picture of the main poster that says a concert for America and shows the crowd looking at the farm aid stage

A picture of the exhibit from the back corner

A picture of half the exhibit and the hat display case

A shot showing some hats in a display case.

An angle shot that shows a belt buckle and pin in the display case.

An angle shot that shows ahe tv display and posters in the exhibit

A shot showing the official documents of the farm aid event in a display case.

Companion Exhibits

While you’re on the east side of campus, also visit the companion exhibit by the Music and Performing Arts Library (external link) on the first floor of the Music Building through October 2025.

Further south on campus, also through October 2025, the Funk ACES Library is also running an exhibit of Funk ACES materials that relate to the creation of the concert (external link).

The Champaign County History Museum has a digital exhibit focusing on Farm Aid 1985 (external link), showcasing historic photography of setup, teardown, and performances. In addition, it will feature oral histories, gathered by UIUC History Harvest class students in 2023, from local community members, workers, and farmers who attended the concert.