FARM AID 2018
This past weekend AMP was privileged to attend Farm Aid 2018 at the XFINITY Theatre in Hartford. Thanks to the courtesies of media liaison Faith James and her crew AMP covered both the press conference and musical event.
This is Farm Aid’s first visit to Connecticut in its 33 year history. Tickets sold out in just 4 hours. Even though billed as a benefit concert Farm Aid is so much more. Its main mission is to raise funds to assist small family farms nationwide. There were educational forums and information stands catering to every aspect of family and community farming and the repairing of our damaged earth.
The pre-concert press conference featuring Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews went deeply into the plight of the small family farm. Several local Ct. farms were featured in short films and their owners spoke live on their trials and tribulations. The press conference was heavily attended by a bevy of farmers from throughout the U.S. After touching speeches from each of the board members and other dignitaries, the music began.
The line up was formidable. From opener Ian Mellencamp to closer Willie Nelson each act created its own special vibe. A major surprise was Lucas Nelson (Willie”s son). Young Nelson had an very upbeat and exhilarating set with his band, Promise of the Real. His soulful energetic vocals and guitar was one of the days many highlights. He also sang with quite a few other artists including his father’s.
Country artists Margo Price, Jamey Johnson and Kacey Musgraves all gave well received performances. Margo Price also found her way on stage with several other acts.
Another stand out was Nathaniel Rateliff with his large band, The Night Sweats. The band plays old school rock with a R&B swagger. Rateliff sang, played guitar and gyrated through a strong well received eight songs with Margo Price and Lucas Nelson joining in with “The Shape I’m In”.
Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton wowed the sold out audience with flawless renditions of their songs. Simpson’s William Bell cover of “You Don’t Miss Your Water” and Stapleton’s David Coe cover of “Tennessee Whiskey” were definitely crowd favorites. Stapleton also benefitted from Willie Nelson’s excellent harmonica player, Mickey Raphael.
Following Stapleton the four headliners each performed. Dave Matthews played with long time band mate Tim Reynolds. The set was outstanding. John Mellencamp played 9 songs including “Jack and Diane”, “Small Town” and “Pink Houses” to the audience’s delight.
What can you say of the last two performers. Neil Young and Willie Nelson are music legends. Both musicians voices were extraordinary. Young playing “Tell Me Why” and “Ohio” and Nelson “Always On My Mind” and “On the Road Again” to huge applause.
One final note. I live in what was once farm country in Ct. There are still many family owned farms in the area. Several of the farmers that were featured in the press conference I know. I see their hard work and determination first hand. Everyone should frequent as many area farms as possible. They need the business and we need the freshness of their fruits and vegetables. The world needs these hardy souls. As Neil Young espoused “Stop at every Farmers Market you see and buy something. Let your children experience the taste of freshly grown food”.
God bless Farm Aid.
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Fabulous concert, fabulous mission, I can understand why people come from all over the country!