Farm Aid, Great Big Sea highlight the weekend

(Credit: Paul Natkin/Photo Reserve Inc. 2008)

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I can't believe it's time for Farm Aid already, but Sunday is the day (there are a lot of Farm Aid events to check out leading up to the concert, too). I always thought Farm Aid would land in St. Louis; I mean, if Ames, Iowa, and Champaign, Illinois, could play host, why not us, right? Well, it's here, so let's talk about the "Super Six" performers.

Wilco

Very good chance a lot of you saw them at The Pageant last year when they sold out the place three straight nights. I'm super excited to hear the 'Wilco (the album)' tunes live, assuming they play some of them. The bottom line: I've never seen a bad Wilco show.

Jason Mraz

The last time he was in town, he sold out The Fox. Expect a lot of the crowd to be there for him and Dave Matthews. Can't say I know a whole lot about Mraz; I just know a lot of people dig his stuff. The bottom line: If you sell out The Fox, you gotta be doing something right.

Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds

Seems like Dave was just here (well, he was). But wait! This will be one of those deals where he'll be doing the solo thing with Tim Reynolds, which, if you didn't know, is pretty rare. The bottom line: The only Farm Aid I've ever attended was in 2001, and Dave Matthews solo was a highlight.

John Mellencamp

Not a big fan of "This is Our Country." But let's face it, it's Farm Aid, the dude is gonna play "This is Our Country." That's cool, as long as we get to hear "Jack and Diane" and "Authority Song." The bottom line: "The dream is still alive. Someday it will come true."

Neil Young

Not sure if old Neil is going to be solo or with a band, but does it really matter? If you've seen him live, you know he appears to have more energy than a caffeinated teenager. And I'm dying to hear "After the Gold Rush" again. The bottom line: Keep on rockin' in the free world.

Willie Nelson

I really have no idea what to say about Willie Nelson. It's Willie freaking Nelson! The bottom line: There would be no Farm Aid without Willie. You better stay until the end.

If you're not going to Farm Aid, you should check out a great Canadian band, Great Big Sea at The Pageant ($25). The band from Newfoundland plays a mix of celtic-rock-folk tunes, and their last album, 'Fortune's Favour,' their ninth recording, didn't disappoint. The bottom line: Alan Doyle, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett have been around for 15 years and are still attracting new fans. Perhaps you'll be their latest follower?