Photo Credit: Bill Kelly
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the last day of summer before the total ascent into Fall Equinox, Farm Aid brought its longstanding tradition of uniting music fans, an exemplary lineup of artists, a joint commitment to support family farmers, promote fair farm policies and raise awareness on the growing needs of the heartland’s most essential workers to the forefront during the charitable event’s 39th occurrence.
For the third time in event history, Farm Aid returned to New York State following a 2007 gathering at New York City’s Randall Island and the previous Saratoga event in 2013, featuring a surprise appearance from Pete Seeger. Touching back on the state’s connection with the cause–experiencing a loss of farmers due to increased labor/ production costs and factors related to climate change–Saturday’s offering recognized those outside the big city via rousing calls for change emanated in speeches and songs.
The event picked up around 1 p.m. with an official welcome from N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul and two Indigenous acts, including members of the state’s Akwsasne community and the Wisdom Dancers, a group that has participated in Farm Aid’s land recognition practices since 1990. Amongst the highlights that ensued were collaborative performances, billed as separate sets, though ultimately amalgamating in sit-ins–joint deliveries that tracked the artist’s commitment to the cause by making their stage time as memorable as possible.
The early afternoon brought Wells, Cassandra Lewis, Southern Avenue, Joy Oladokun, Charlie Crockett, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats up for their independent sets. Lukas Nelson, who is currently on hiatus from touring with his POTR band, tapped The Travelin’ McCourys, including Del, who lent their highflying bluegrass dexterity on an assortment of cuts; “Runnin’ Shine,” “Sticks and Stones,” “Ladder of Love,” and “Carolina,” before a cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” For the final songs of their Farm Aid frame, the group paid tribute to Lukas’ dad’s discography on “Man With the Blues” before kicking it back to traditionals on “Rollin My Sweet Baby’s Arms.”
Mavis Staples gave a lively performance, playing tunes from The Staple Sisters, before Margo Price ascended on stage for her frame, which mixed original material with borrowed numbers, including Waylon Jennings’ “Kissing You Goodbye,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Ways to be Wicked,” which she previously recorded with Mike Campbell. Lastly, the songstress went with traditional, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.”
Dave Matthews Band, longtime event participants, started their frame with “Save Me” before the aptly titled “Don’t Drink the Water,” “Oh,” and fan favorite “Ants Marching.” After completing “Lie in Our Graves,” a high point of the event occurred as Matthews welcomed guest assistance from Rateliff and brothers Lukas and Micah Nelson on what became a communally sung cover of “The Weight” by The Band.
During his Farm Aid stage-time, Neil Young tapped his new band, Chrome Hearts: organist Spooner Oldham, guitarist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick and drummer Anthony LoGerfo, working through an assemblage of music that touched on classics from his beloved discography and newer numbers that spoke to the need to nurture our natural environment, “Love Earth.” Also included on the setlist were “From Hanks to Hendrix,” “Harvest Moon,” “Unknown Legend,” “Heart of Gold,” “Powderfinger” and others.
Willie Nelson took the event’s final slot and gave an extended performance that positioned covers next to originals, with some extra help from Farm Aids’ fellow participants. After starting the set with Johnny Bush’s “Whiskey River,” the covers continued with Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys’ “Stay a Little Longer.” “Bloody Mary Morning” and “I Never Cared For You” arrived before a take on Larry Davis’ “Texas Flood.” More songs ensued, including Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe,” co-led by Lukas.
After Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf,” a fitting piece of music given the time of year, the entire course of guest performers came out to join Nelson and company, collectively delivering “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” and Mac Davis’ “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” in continuation of Farm Aids cumulative on stage finish.
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