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2022 Farm Aid: Climate Change Awareness

Farm Aid 2022
Coastal Creek Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Raleigh, North Carolina
September 24, 2022

Chris Stapleton

Sheryl Crow

Story & Photos by Mary Andrews

Farm Aid was founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young way back in 1985. Dave Matthews joined the "board" in the '90s. Margo Price joined these stalwarts on the last Farm Aid in 2019. The event is the biggest money raising event for Farm Aid benefiting family farmers across the United States.

The benefit's existence is edging toward their fourth decade when Nelson and the other members hoped and thought that the one concert would eradicate the problems of family farmers. The problems of family farmers have increased and evolved ever since.

This year's concert 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. Nathanial Rateliff and the Night Sweats had to cancel two days prior to the event due to Covid-19.

One of the most memorable events of the concert happened prior to John Mellencamp's set. Jim Orsay, 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 day's talent started with Particle Kid, Micah Nelson, performing his alternative rock. New comers Brittney Spencer and Charlie Crockett followed. Nashville's Brittney Spencer gave a lively set that included "Crowded Table," and "Sober & Skinny." Her energy and exuberance was contagious.

Charley 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 a pedal steel and trumpet. He was a perfect addition for the concert lineup.

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, Brittney 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 as well. 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 Brittney Spencer, Allison Russell, and Tim Reynolds to the stage at the end of the set to perform "Poor Elijah" a tribute to Robert Johnson.

Chris Stapleton's appearance had a huge impact on the sell out crowd. His performance of "Broken Halo" and "Tennessee Whiskey" were fine examples of why Stapleton was named songwriter of the decade by the 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. 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 his 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 the crowd. Of course, Mellencamp performed "Jack and Diane" as he chastised the crowd for not knowing the proper lyrics. It was all in fun.

Willie 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."