Willie Nelson Along With Newcomers Charley Crockett, Allison Russell Give Farm Aid Raleigh A Good Ol’ Time (FESTIVAL REVIEW/PHOTOS)

Photo by Mary Andrews

Farm Aid remains the largest annual benefit concert for family farmers across the United States since 1985. The benefit was founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young, while Dave Matthews joined the “board” in the 90s, while Margo Price joined last year.

The benefit’s existence is edging toward their four-decade when Nelson and the other members thought one concert would eradicate the problems of family farmers. The problems of family farmers have increased and evolved over the years. The organization operates an emergency hotline that offers farmers resources and advice about the challenges that farmers face. Attendees were assured that the money spent here was going directly to the farmers who need it the most.

This year’s concert at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, NC on September 24 was another sold-out show with approximately 18,000 in attendance. The day’s festivities started with an hour-long press conference consisting of local farmers and Willie and the board. Neil Young did not attend again this year due to Covid concerns, while Nathanial Rateliff and the Night Sweats had to cancel two days prior to the event due to Covid-19.

Dave Matthews mentioned, “The obstacle we’re up against in this battle is to protect our planet and our children from greedy people.” Event organizers called on visitors to use their voice to impact political change in favor of family farmers. The goal is to convince Congress to enact legislation to protect small farmers and the planet. There is a plan for a major mobilization of farmers in Washington D.C. on March 6, 2023, “Farmers for Climate.” All are invited to attend.

One of the most memorable events of the concert happened prior to John Mellencamp’s set. Jim Orsay, the owner of NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, surprised Farm Aid with a check for the amount of $1,000,000. The check was presented to John Mellencamp for the organization.

The talent started with Particle Kid, Micah Nelson, performing his alternative rock, and newcomers Brittney Spencer and Charley Crockett. Nashville’s Brittney Spencer gave a lively set that included “Crowded Table,” and “Sober & Skinny.” Her energy and exuberance were contagious.

Crockett has slowly been gaining recognition for his soulful, twanging vocals. In 2021, he earned the emerging artist of the year from the Americana Music Association. Crockett really knows how to read his audience and caters to what the fans want. He was backed by pedal steel and trumpet and played a perfectly tasteful set of retro fused country.

Allison Russell returned for the second time to the Farm Aid concert. The multi-instrumentalist gave everything she had for the short set. The Canadian announced, “I am a black, queer, a new immigrant and it has been life-changing to be welcomed.” She ended the set by inviting Margo Price, Sheryl Crow, Britteny Spencer and more ladies for her finale. “Georgia Rise” was performed for the second time in support of Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams.

Sheryl Crow performed for the second time at Farm Aid. Crow described growing up in Missouri among cotton fields. She mentioned that she spent time picking cotton in high school. She quipped, “Farm Aid is the concert that most speaks to where I’m from.” Her set included hits from the past including a searing blues harp on “Live With Me.”

Lukas Nelson followed as he thanked Crow for going on before him since he arrived late to the festival. Promise of the Real’s career is blossoming and they had a gig the previous night. They had to travel from afar to make it to Farm Aid. The highlight of the set included Nelson inviting Britten Spencer, Allison Russell, and Tim Reynolds to the stage at the end of the set to perform “Poor Elijah.” That was a tribute to Robert Johnson. 

Chris Stapleton’s appearance had a huge impact on the sell out today. Fans were in place early to see their country writer and singing hero. His performance of “Broken Halo” and “Tennessee Whiskey” were fine examples of why Stapleton was named songwriter of the decade by American Country Music Association.

Margo Price reminded the fans that her family lost their Illinois farm in the mid-80s.  Her music was less country and more alternative rock. She sported songs from her upcoming album release, Strays, that will be released in January 2023. Lots of new sounds from Price.

Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds gave another praiseworthy set to say the least. Their songs included “Don’t Drink the Water,” “Crush,” and “Save Me.” Matthews mentioned, “It’s good to spend the day talking about the people who feed us.”

Mellencamp’s set was was a compilation of greatest hits. The performer seemed irritated at the beginning of the set, but the longer he performed, the more comfortable and pleased to be communicating with his fans. Of course, Mellencamp performed “Jack and Diane” as he chastised the crowd for not knowing the proper lyrics. It was all in fun as his set lead into Willie’s set.

Nelson was seated center stage, flanked by his sons, Lukas and Micah. Lukas sang the vocal on “Texas Flood” while Willie played an amazing guitar solo on Trigger (his guitar). Micah sang vocals on his amusing composition written for his dad, “If I Die When I’m High, I’ll Be Halfway to Heaven.” Nelson sang an array of his hits. He mentioned that he just released his 98th album on his 89th birthday. The set ended with most of the performers of the day joining Nelson for the closing songs “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Before you knew it, Farm Aid was over for another year.

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