red lights


concert reviews	basement tapes	cd reviews	interviews	features	Pollstar news

Farm Aid celebrates a noble cause
with amazing music

Farm Aid 2016
Jiffy Lube Live
Bristow, VA
September 17, 2016

Alabama Shakes

Neil Young

Alison Krause

Story & photos by Frances Sealy

The 31st annual Farm Aid all day concert will go down in history as one of the best to date. The press conference started the festivities with the board, farmers, various members of the bands and other Farm Aid officials in attendance. The purpose was to deliver information on the progress of Farm Aid's efforts to help the family farmer. The local farmers spoke of challenges in Virginia and educating the local population on eating organic foods and the effects on health. Concerns about the possible merger between Monsanto and Bayer were voiced. Carolyn Mugar, Farm Aid Executive Director, summed things up by paraphrasing Neil Young, "we are going to win this and we are going to win in a weird way."

The music started with Willie Nelson and Star Swain on the main stage singing an a cappella version of "The Lord's Prayer." The younger rockers Ian Mellencamp, Insects vs Robots, and Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real dominated the early part of the concert. Promise of the Real is Neil Young's present touring band.

Margo Price started the turn toward country. Margo is an up and coming Nashville country singer who released a new album in March this year, Midwest Farmers' Daughter. Her songs were very personal, tell-all stories. She will be a breath of fresh air for country fans who are not yet familiar with her work. Sturgill Simpson took the stage later in the day to thrill country fans with his big band including a big, brash brass section. He showcased songs from this year's album release, A Sailor's Guide to Earth. The set rocked and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Jamey Johnson and special guest Alison Krauss took the stage early in the day to present a very stirring set that culminated with a hair-raising version of "This Land Is Your Land." Jamey's deep voice and Alison's wonderful harmonies had the crowd cheering and singing along passionately. This was one of many highpoints of the day.

The show veered into Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats rockin' soul sounds that increased the energy ten-fold. Their set included their hit, "S.O.B." as well as a cover of the Band's "Shape I'm In."

Alabama Shakes featuring Brittany Howard stole the show in many ways. Ms. Howard has little to say between songs but what she pulled from within and presented to the large crowd said plenty. The set consisted of music from both of their albums Boys and Girls and Sound & Color. Howard's voice never sounded better. She rose her voice effortlessly to the stratosphere on "Future People." Many people who not familiar with the band were surprised at just how good the group, and especially Howard, was.

The rest of the evening was devoted to the board starting with Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds doing their traditional show-stopping acoustic set. John Mellencamp brought his full band to deliver his typical mesmerizing sing-along hits. Neil Young and Promise of the Real's set was rocking all the way. Neil always surprises the crowd at Farm Aid. Tonight's set was filled with his classic hits from Heart of Gold to "Harvest Moon. Willie Nelson and family was the last set of the night and delivered a satisfying array of Nelson's hits. Many of the entertainers from earlier in day joined him for "Amazing Grace" at the end of the set. It was a long, but great day of fabulous music for a noble cause.

For more information on Farm Aid, visit www.farmaid.org.