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The Mountain Goats Frontman Headlines Benefit for Farm Sanctuary

Singer/songwriter John Darnielle will perform intimate, acoustic sets at the two-day event.

Watkins Glen, NY – June 7, 2007 – Goats, both real and melodious, will share the limelight at ZOOP! A Benefit for Farm Sanctuary. Held June 16 and 17 at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter, this weekend event features the music of John Darnielle, frontman of indie band The Mountain Goats. Darnielle will be joined by fellow The Mountain Goats musician Peter Hughes, and Perry Wright of The Prayer & Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers for intimate, acoustic performances.

"My wife and I adopted a turkey from Farm Sanctuary five or six years ago—maybe more—and loved knowing that someone was providing hands-on care to animals who might otherwise have suffered neglect or worse. We kept the turkey's picture on our cupboard,” Darnielle said. “Finally visiting Watkins Glen in 2006, I had one of the best days of my life—seeing farm animals who have room to stretch their legs and live free is a life-changing experience. Farm Sanctuary is a special place, and supporting them in their work is a joy and an honor for me!"

Two hundred people are expected for the sold-out shows, the majority of whom will camp on the shelter grounds. A donation of $10 is suggested for concert-goers, the money supporting the work of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Free guided tours will be available to guests, with opportunities to interact with the animals.

“We’re excited to welcome such a huge crowd to our sanctuary—especially those who are unfamiliar with what we’re all about,” said Michelle Waffner, Farm Sanctuary education manager. “This event will provide our shelter residents with a chance to do what they do best: woo visitors with their charming personalities, and serve as animal ambassadors representing the faceless billions victimized by a ruthless factory farming industry.”

ZOOP! the concert couldn’t be possible without long-time Farm Sanctuary resident Zoop the goat. Rescued in 2003, Zoop endured abuse, neglect and the crippling loss of a limb. Now, comfortable and cared for at our New York Shelter, Zoop’s story is emblematic of the tragic disregard afforded to the vast majority of farm animals—as well as their intrinsic will to live.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, we have worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and legislative actions, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Our shelters in Watkins Glen, NY and Orland, CA provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. More information about Farm Sanctuary can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.