When John Mellencamp’s band came onstage in black-tie outfits and launched into 2014’s “Lawless Times,” it briefly seemed like this might not be your typical Mellencamp hits revue. But then “Small Town” came next and the show quickly became a 1980s sing-along with “Paper in Fire,” “Check It Out,” “Authority Song” and, of course, “Pink Houses.” “Rain on the Scarecrow” began with a haunting violin/accordion intro. This song has probably been done at every Farm Aid since the very first one, but it never loses its power. It’s basically the benefit’s theme song, and sadly, it reminds all too relevant.
John Mellencamp performs his second song at Farm Aid 2016 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, on September 17th. “Small Town”
Farm Aid was started by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985 to keep family farmers on the land and has worked since then to make sure everyone has access to good food from family farmers. Dave Matthews joined Farm Aid’s board of directors in 2001.
The Fat Angel Sings 