On the eve of music’s grandest celebration, there’s a quieter yet equally powerful event that deserves its own spotlight. This is the story of the Americana Music Association’s annual Grammy Eve concert at the iconic Troubadour in West Hollywood—a stark contrast to the glitz of the concurrent ‘Clive party.’ Each year, this intimate gathering pays homage to one of the greatest singer-songwriters in history, featuring a lineup of performers that often includes Grammy nominees. Over nearly two decades, legends like John Prine, Paul Simon, and Willie Nelson have been honored, leaving fans to wonder who’s next (Dylan, anyone?). But here’s where it gets controversial: could anyone truly top the impact of Neil Young?
This year, Neil Young took center stage, and the night’s emcee, Molly Jenson, jokingly suggested, ‘It’s gonna be Neil Young next year, too. Every year, moving forward.’ While she was kidding, the idea isn’t far-fetched. Young’s six-decade career has been nothing short of prolific, and the 21-song setlist barely scratched the surface of his catalog. The performances leaned toward his household classics, but each interpretation felt fresh, whether rooted in traditional Americana or reimagined in adjacent genres. And this is the part most people miss: even his most familiar songs can still feel transformative.
The lineup was a who’s-who of Americana and beyond, including Grammy darlings like I’m With Her, Jesse Welles, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens, Sierra Hull, Maggie Rose, and Grace Potter. Returning favorites like Milk Carton Kids and Chris Pierce joined first-timers such as Young the Giant, making the $200 ticket (a benefit for MusiCares and the AMA) a hot commodity. The free livestream ensured everyone could tune in, but the energy of being there was undeniable.
Rhiannon Giddens delivered a powerful rendition of ‘Comes a Time,’ blending banjo and fiddle with fellow Carolina Chocolate Drop Justin Robinson. Her performance wasn’t just musical—it was a statement. As the crowd chanted ‘Ice Out,’ Giddens reminded everyone of the country’s history and the ongoing fight against systemic racism. Bold question: Can a Neil Young tribute truly separate art from its social context?
Chris Pierce’s ‘Southern Man’ stole the show, his defiant and personal take on Young’s anti-racism anthem leaving the audience breathless. Having performed it before, Pierce’s connection to the song was palpable, making it the night’s most visceral moment. Controversial take: Was this the most powerful performance of the year?
The Milk Carton Kids and I’m With Her joined forces for a stunning ‘Harvest Moon,’ their harmonies creating an Avengers-level musical moment. Earlier, the Milk Carton Kids’ whisper-quiet ‘Heart of Gold’ and I’m With Her’s soothing ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ showcased their mastery of subtlety. Thought-provoking question: In a genre known for authenticity, is there room for superstar collaborations?
The night celebrated Young’s versatility, from Margo Price’s twangy ‘Love Is a Rose’ to Molly Tuttle’s fiery ‘Helpless.’ Even Young’s pop side got a nod with Molly Jenson’s cover of Nicolette Larson’s ‘Lotta Love.’ The rock energy was undeniable, with Katie Pruitt’s ‘Ohio’ and Maggie Rose’s ‘Down by the River’ delivering raw, unfiltered emotion. Bold interpretation: Is Neil Young’s music too eclectic to be boxed into one genre?
Jesse Welles’ raspy ‘After the Gold Rush’ and Young the Giant’s ‘Old Man’ added unique twists, proving Young’s songs can belong to any generation. The Americana Music Association’s ability to curate such diverse talent is unmatched, from their September awards show in Nashville to this intimate Troubadour gig. Final question for the audience: In an era of choreographed pop, does Americana’s raw emotion and virtuosity make it the last bastion of ‘real’ music?
Setlist for the AmericanaFest Pre-Grammy Salute to the Songs of Neil Young, Troubadour, West Hollywood, Jan. 31, 2026:
1. ‘Are You Ready for the Country’ — House Band
2. ‘Field of Opportunity’ — Evangeline
3. ‘On the Way Home’ — Alex Amen
4. ‘Comes a Time’ — Rhiannon Giddens
5. ‘Heart of Gold’ — Milk Carton Kids
6. ‘Look Out for My Love’ — Sierra Hull
7. ‘Powderfinger’ — Leif
8. ‘Lotta Love’ — Molly Jenson
9. ‘Southern Man’ — Chris Pierce
10. ‘Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere’ — Keith Secor
11. ‘Love Is a Rose’ — Margo Price
12. ‘Helpless’ — Molly Tuttle with Ketch Secor
13. ‘Down by the River’ — Maggie Rose
14. ‘Ohio’ — Katie Pruitt
15. ‘Old Man’ — Young the Giant
16. ‘My, My, Hey, Hey’ — Gold Star
17. ‘After the Gold Rush’ — Jesse Welles
18. ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ — I’m With Her
19. ‘Harvest Moon’ — I’m With Her and Milk Carton Kids
20. ‘Cinnamon Girl’ — Leif and Grace Potter
21. ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ — Jesse Welles, Maggie Rose, Leif, and cast
Long may this tradition run—hopefully with a Neil Young Part II next year.
