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A soaring musical salute to American farmers

Farm Aid 2017
KeyBank Pavilion
Burgettston, PA
September 16, 2017

Neil Young

Dave Matthews

The Avett Brothers

Review and photos by Frances Sealy

It is the consensus that Neil Young stole the show at the 32nd edition of the storied Farm Aid. That said there was a plethora of talent that gave Neil plenty of competition. It was a perfect blend of young talent and musical legends. All performers were at the top of their game for this legendary event that helps benefit the family farm and the crowd knew that it was a special day.

The 12-hour day started with a press conference with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and the local family farmers. Immediately after the press conference, the music started with the traditional gospel song performed by the Blackwood Quartet. Micah Nelson's band, Insects vs Robots, took the spotlight for a short 15-minute set. Songwriter, singer, multi instrumentalist, and model, Valerie June followed with some choice selections from her album, The Order of Time.

Farm Aid

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real featured songs from their new album, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. Lukas gave a blues laced performance of "Forget About Georgia," from the album. Margo Price sat in during the set and sang background for the guys. Charlie Starr and Blackberry Smoke followed POTR and gave Lukas some competition with his guitar licks. Both sets were far too short.

Jamey Johnson followed up with his 11th appearance at Farm Aid with a tasty set of cover songs. Johnson is one of the most underappreciated singers in country music. He is one of the best interpreters of other writers' songs. His interpretation of Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" was nothing less than hair raising. That garnered a standing ovation. He performed two Don Williams' songs as a tribute to his recent passing. Lowell George's "Willin" was another stand out.

Both Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats played Farm Aid last year. They out did their performances from last year. By the time Nathaniel performed his gigantic hit "S.O.B.," the house was in a perpetual roar for the rest of the evening.

The Avett Brothers continued to fuel the fire started by the Night Sweats. Their frenetic set was what the fans have come to expect. Jack Johnson started his set with "Willie Got Me Stoned and Stole All My Money." From there, the rest of his set was a 'who's who' of Farm Aid. Sheryl Crow was the first one to join him followed by Nathaniel Rateliff, and Jamey Johnson. They performed haunting version of Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."

Sheryl Crow had the most 'friends' sit in with her set. Her guest list included the Avett Brothers, Margo Price, Jamey Johnson, Jack Johnson, Lukas Nelson, and Willie Nelson for a tribute to Greg Allman with a performance of "Midnight Rider." This was by far one of her best performances. She added a mean harmonica to her instrument repertoire.

If there was anyone sitting down, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds made it their mission to change that. The roar of the crowd could be heard for miles around when the two performed "Crush," "Don't Drink the Water," and "Warehouse." Dave was one of the day's best-received guests.

John Mellencamp and his band gave another stellar performance for Farm Aid. He performed "Jack and Diane" early in the set as he said, "I'm doing it because I know you want me to." He stopped in the middle of the song because the crowd started singing the bridge too soon. He started over and that pleased the fans even more. It's well known that this is not one of his favorite songs to perform. Mellencamp's set was filled with a string of his hits.

Neil Young surprises the fans every year at Farm Aid. This year was no different. Neil was in rare form and the fans were ecstatic. Neil did a set of his "hits." Eleven minutes of "Cortez, the Killer" His battered "old black" electric guitar never sounded better as Neil gave it his energetic passion. The set opened with "Fu*kin' Up" and classics "Cinnamon Girl," "Heart of Gold," "Comes a Time," and "Like a Hurricane." "Rockin' In the Free-World" marked the end of the best set of the day. He spent very little time with banter.

The finale was Willie Nelson and Family along with extended members of his family. Margo Price, Jamey Johnson, Valerie June, the Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, David Amram, and Jack Johnson. As always, the festival began and ended with Willie Nelson steady at the helm.