Farm Aid 2024

Against the backdrop of the beautiful Adirondack mountains in upstate New York the 39th Farm Aid took place at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (affectionately known at the SPAC). The last time the event was held there was in 2013. 

21,000 people attended the event enjoying a day of music and celebration all for a good cause. 

Its roots began in 1985 during the Live Aid show, where Bob Dylan casually mentioned doing something for the farmers. And shortly after the first concert was held in Champaign Illinois and as they say the rest is history.

The day began with a press conference attended by the founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp. Through the years Dave Matthews and Margo Price have also become board members. As always farmers from the region are invited to speak and tell their stories. They spoke of the plight of the farmers, the difficulty in getting funding and other obstacles they face along the way. 

After a few remarks to kick things off from Governor Kathy Hochul, the music began with two indigenous artists Kontiwennenha:Wi and the Wisdom Indian Dancers. The next acts were all rising stars in their genre Jesse Welles with some inspiring and timely songs, Southern Avenue from Memphis coming off of the Outlaw tour, Joy Oladokun folk/pop with some Gospel tones and Cassandra Lewis with some beautiful vocals who said one of her goals was to be part of Farm Aid. They all told stories of why they became involved in Farm Aid and what it meant to them. 

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats took the stage.  He spoke of people losing their farms when he was growing up and wore the Red Shirt they spoke of from earlier Farm Aids that says “Stop Factory Farms”. His set was exciting with a full range of emotions in every song. 

Charley Crockett, who recently played at Floyd Fest and clearly has his own following, is a mixture of blues, soul and country. He came out with his signature look and gave us a set that was stirring and emotional. 

Margo Price talked about how corporations are ruining small business and has become quite the advocate for the farmers. After her incredible set she reminded us to get out and vote and spent some time mingling with the audience. 

Legendary Mavis Staples at 85,  an activist for causes such as the Civil Rights, has not performed at Farm Aid since 2015 in her hometown (and mine) of Chicago. She gave a powerful performance on every level and as she sang “Freedom Highway” declared she would not turn around and not go back chanting it over and over while working the crowd up into a frenzy. 

This year Lukas Nelson performed with the Travelin’ McCourys in a set as only Lukas can do. Together they have created a great sound. He included his new rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You” adding his bluegrass touch. I was convinced Sierra Ferrell (who recorded the song with him) would join him on stage. Instead we were treated to the surprise performance of the evening as Del McCoury came out for the last few songs and the crowd went wild. 

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds did an acoustic guitar set, mesmerizing the crowd and giving us a performance for the ages. It is easy to see why the Dave Matthews band are one of the newest inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is personable and always keeps the audience engaged. As his set ended he was joined by Lucas and Micah Nelson in addition to Nathaniel Rateliff for a highly entertaining cover of “The Weight” by the band. How fitting especially being in upstate New York where The Band recorded the famous Basement Tapes with Bob Dylan at their house known as Big Pink.  While there I visited the legendary house in addition to Levon Helms grave in Woodstock. 

John Mellencamp got the audience on their feet with his gravelly voice and songs of small town America, being playful with the audience during “Jack and Diane.” A great songwriter who sings of Americana life and still resides in his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana.  In this current climate it seems we all feel a connection to John and his music and he certainly delivered. 

Neil Young, who recently canceled some concert dates due to illness, was back on the stage giving us some classics like the mellow “Love Earth” and the timeless “Heart of Gold.” His band consisted of Micah Nelson and a few members of POTR. His acoustic sound, guitar solos and jamming  with Micah were the highlight of his set. Neil is very big on climate change and spoke of it during the press conference with the same level of passion he gives his music.

Ten pm, Willie Nelson appeared on the stage with his two sons on either side of him. (Willie Nelson and Family) At 91 he gives it his all and is amazing to watch. Even when the PA system cut out he continued to sing his heart out. You can definitely see the love those boys have for their dad, always his protector. That is what family is all about. With his beloved Trigger and almost 11pm he did a Tom Waits cover of “Last Leaf,”  which is his new single. The words were so touching musically and I am sure personally for one of the greatest artists of our time. As the evening came to an end (and I am sure we would have all liked it to continue) he was joined by many of the artists to end with “Will the Circle be Unbroken” and “I’ll Fly Away” two of my very favorite gospel songs. His final two songs “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble” were the perfect ending to a perfect day. 

Throughout the day there were homegrown concessions featuring local and organic foods,  seminars, plenty of hands-on activities  and a chance to speak with the farmers. After all, this is the reason for 39 years of Farm Aid. What a great event to promote family farmers. I feel lucky to be part of this and share it with my readers. Music touches the soul in so many ways and when we can put it to good use to help others it makes the world a better place. In turbulent times we need an event like Farm Aid to remind us of things that need to be addressed and how we can all do our part to bring about change. 

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid and I am excited to see what they have in store. Kudos to the original group of artists as well as the newer ones for continuing this great event  while raising about 80 million dollars and making this the longest running concert event for this very worthy cause. 

Reviewed by Gayle Kirshenbaum

Photos  Terry Giardina