The 39th annual Farm Aid concert took place on Saturday at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, with a star-studded lineup coming together to support the American farmer. Headliners Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and Margo Price shared the stage alongside legendary performers like Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, and Cassandra Lewis.
Farm Aid, inspired by a 1985 quip from Bob Dylan at Live Aid about struggling American farmers, has since raised over $80 million to support agricultural causes, thanks to Willie Nelson’s leadership. This year’s concert unfolded on a picture-perfect, late-summer day, with musical highlights that ranged from the heartwarming to the electrifying.
Musical Highlights
The day was packed with unforgettable collaborations. Del McCoury joined Lukas Nelson & The Travelin' McCourys, and Dave Matthews brought up Lukas and Micah Nelson, along with Nathaniel Rateliff, for a mostly acoustic rendition of The Band's "The Weight." Margo Price, known for engaging with her audience, took a lively stroll through the crowd during her set, while Spooner Oldham brought his legendary organ skills to Neil Young's performance.
Recap of the Sets
Willie Nelson
The 91-year-old Willie, still going strong, was joined by his sons Lukas and Micah, along with longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael and others. Despite a technical glitch that cut the stage mics for part of his set, Willie kept the crowd entertained with classics like Whiskey River, Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, On the Road Again, and Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground. He also delivered a poignant version of Tom Waits' Last Leaf from his new release Last Leaf on the Tree, which felt particularly fitting for the fall-like evening.
Neil Young
Young debuted his new Chrome Dreams band, featuring Spooner Oldham on organ, Micah Nelson on guitar, Corey McCormick on bass, and Anthony LoGerfo on drums. His set was a soulful blend of acoustic, electric, and piano-driven performances. Highlights included classics like Heart of Gold, Harvest Moon, Unknown Legend, and Powderfinger, as well as piano renditions of Journey Thru the Past and Love Earth.
John Mellencamp
Mellencamp brought the hits, from Small Town to Pink Houses to Jack & Diane, with the latter prompting an audience sing-along. Ever the showman, Mellencamp playfully called out the crowd for missing a verse. His rendition of Rain on the Scarecrow felt like the anthem of the event—evoking the very heart of Farm Aid’s mission.
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Matthews and Reynolds are an acoustic duo like no other, with Reynolds delivering what can only be described as ferocious lead acoustic guitar. Just when it seemed Matthews was sticking to a predictable routine, he surprised the crowd by inviting Lukas and Micah Nelson and Nathaniel Rateliff to join him for a spirited version of The Weight—a perfect nod to the event’s collaborative spirit.
Margo Price
A Farm Aid board member, Price kicked off the day’s events in grand style, joining the Wisdom Indian Dancers for The Lord’s Prayer. She always finds a way to surprise the crowd—last year with a drum solo, this year by wandering through the audience mid-set. Price's performance was a celebration of country music’s deep-rooted tradition of connecting with fans. Her set included covers of Tom Petty's Ways to Be Wicked and Waylon Jennings’ Kissing You Goodbye.
Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples, a true gospel and blues icon, delivered a powerful R&B-infused set. Known for her legendary appearance in The Band's The Last Waltz, it would have been a treat to see her join Matthews and friends for The Weight later in the day. Regardless, her performance was an inspiring reminder that great music knows no age.
Lukas Nelson with The Travelin’ McCourys
Lukas Nelson has been on the road with The Travelin’ McCourys during his hiatus from Promise of the Real, and their set at Farm Aid was a bluegrass gem. With Del McCoury joining for the final songs, including Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms, the performance felt like a family reunion steeped in tradition.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Rateliff and his band are practically Farm Aid staples at this point. They always bring the house down with their soulful blend of R&B, and this year was no different. The crowd was on their feet from S.O.B. to Love Don't, making it one of the standout sets of the day.
Charley Crockett
Back at Farm Aid after a year's absence, Crockett and his band, The Blue Drifters, brought their distinctive Gulf & Western sound. Opening with $10 Cowboy and closing with a spirited cover of Waylon Jennings’ Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, Crockett reminded everyone why he's a force in today’s country music scene.
Joy Oladokun
Nashville transplant Joy Oladokun was an early highlight, delivering a stunning cover of The Beatles’ Blackbird that left the crowd in awe. Her soulful voice and heartfelt performance set a high bar for the day.
Southern Avenue
This bluesy R&B band kept the energy up with an uplifting set. Bob Dylan himself is a fan, as evidenced by a recent photo of him with the band after an Outlaw Music Festival appearance. Their set was a testament to their growing influence and talent.
Cassandra Lewis
One of the earlier acts, Cassandra Lewis, impressed with powerhouse vocals that left many eager to hear more. She’s definitely an artist to watch in the coming years.
Jesse Welles
Welles' set was introduced by Dave Matthews and was an example of raw songwriting talent. While he didn't perform his provocative Trump Trailers song, the rest of his set was packed with lyrical depth and promise, leaving the crowd hopeful for future releases.
Farm Aid 2024 was a celebration of music, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of the American farmer. It’s a day that reminds us all that music can make a difference and bring people together in support of a noble cause. Here's to another 39 years of keeping farmers on the land.
