Music and Community Come Together at Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour In Prairie Grove, IL
Luke Bryan's Farm Tour is more than a concert series; it’s a heartfelt initiative rooted in the values of community and giving back. Since 2009, this annual event has brought live music to rural towns, trading arenas for open farmland to celebrate the dedication of farming families. Inspired by Bryan’s upbringing in a farming community, the tour highlights the vital role farmers play while also addressing food insecurity and supporting the next generation through scholarships. Each stop on the tour transforms a local farm into a vibrant stage, drawing thousands of fans and shining a spotlight on the agricultural heart of America.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyBeyond the music, the tour provides direct benefits to the hosting communities, driving business to local establishments and encouraging donations to food banks. For fans and locals alike, it’s a chance to connect over music while appreciating the hard work and resilience that define rural life. By turning these small-town farms into the center of attention, the Farm Tour creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and deeply meaningful, reminding everyone of the importance of supporting those who help put food on our tables.
Prairie Grove, IL, a small community nestled in McHenry County, became the epicenter of excitement and activity as thousands of fans poured in to experience Luke Bryan's Farm Tour. The transformation was immediate; local businesses saw a steady stream of visitors filling up restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations. For many of these establishments, the event was more than just a boost; it was an opportunity to showcase their small-town hospitality to a crowd drawn from neighboring areas and beyond.
Farms in this region represent more than just a livelihood; they’re a testament to the resilience and hard work of Midwest families who have long been the backbone of American agriculture. Hosting the Farm Tour here not only celebrated this way of life but also gave these families a moment to shine on a larger stage. Beyond the music, the event served as a reminder of the dedication and effort it takes to keep agriculture thriving.
Click The Image Above For The Full Farm Tour Photo GalleryIt brought energy and focus to the community that elevated the importance of their contributions to the broader economy and culture. As concertgoers settled into the expansive Berning Family Farms, the combination of rural charm and live music created a setting that felt uniquely authentic.
Zach John King brought an undeniable energy to the Farm Tour stage, connecting with the crowd right from the start. With roots in Fayetteville, Georgia, and a career blossoming in Nashville, his authenticity resonated deeply with the Prairie Grove audience. Kicking things off with "Space," Zach set a lively tone that perfectly suited the rural backdrop. Midway through his set, he turned up the excitement with a spirited cover of Toby Keith's "Should’ve Been A Cowboy," a classic that had fans singing along with enthusiasm.
Click The Image For The Full Zach John King Photo GalleryThe crowd’s energy built with every note as Zach’s confidence and charisma shone under the early evening sky. For his final song, "Slow Down," Zach brought a sense of intimacy to the moment, delivering heartfelt lyrics that struck a chord with listeners. As the music swelled, you could see fans pulling out their phones to capture the performance and look him up on social media. Zach John King delivered far more than an opening act. He created an atmosphere that welcomed fans to the Farm Tour, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. His presence was a reminder of how rising talents can leave a lasting impression, especially in a setting as unique and personal as this.
The Peach Pickers brought a setlist that felt like a celebration of country music's biggest moments. Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip, and Rhett Akins, three of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters, stepped into the spotlight, trading their usual behind-the-scenes roles for center stage. Their connection to the music was undeniable as they performed songs they had penned for some of the genre's biggest names. Kicking off with Jason Aldean’s “The Only Way I Know,” the trio immediately had the crowd singing along. Each song felt like a gift to the audience, with hits originally made famous by Lee Brice, Morgan Wallen, and Thomas Rhett filling the set. When Rhett Akins launched into his own classic, “That Ain’t My Truck,” the crowd erupted, showing just how much these songs have become ingrained in country music fans’ lives.
Click The Image Above For The Full Peach Pickers Photo GalleryThe Peach Pickers didn’t just perform; they created a moment of connection. Their stories and banter between songs gave a glimpse into their journey as songwriters, adding a layer of authenticity to their performance. For fans, it was a rare opportunity to hear these chart-topping hits performed by the very people who wrote them, making the night feel even more special. The energy between the trio and the crowd was electric, fueled by a shared love for the music that has shaped so many lives.
As the warm glow of the setting sun cast its light over Berning Family Farms, Tyler Hubbard stepped onto the stage, immediately captivating the crowd. With a natural charm and energy that radiated throughout the venue, Tyler brought a blend of nostalgia and fresh artistry to his performance. Growing up in Georgia, he spent his early years balancing his love for music with sports and dirt bikes, a reflection of his grounded roots and adventurous spirit. His upbringing and journey were woven into his performance, making it feel personal and relatable. Opening with "Park," Tyler had the audience hooked from the first note. As he worked through his setlist, the crowd was treated to a mix of Florida Georgia Line classics, including "Meant To Be" and "Cruise," which had fans swaying and singing along. Each song felt like a shared moment, connecting the crowd through melodies they’ve cherished for years.
Click The Image Above For The Full Tyler Hubbard GalleryBut it was Tyler’s solo work that truly showcased his evolution as an artist. His hit "5'9" was met with overwhelming cheers, the lyrics striking a chord as fans sang every word back to him. The energy peaked during "Dancin’ in the Country," which turned the farm into a lively celebration. Tyler’s ability to seamlessly shift between heartfelt and high-energy moments created a dynamic set that left a lasting impression.
Luke Bryan delivered a performance that brought together thousands of fans under the open Illinois sky. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was clear that the night would be one to remember. Kicking things off with "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye," he set an energetic tone that carried through the entire set. The roar of the crowd grew louder as he moved into favorites like "I Don't Want This Night To End" and "Kick The Dust Up," with voices echoing through the soybean fields. Luke’s connection with the audience felt effortless. He knew how to work the stage, making sure every fan, from the front row to those at the back of the field, felt part of the experience. A highlight came early in the show when Luke put his own spin on Toby Keith’s "The Angry American." The tribute struck a chord with the crowd, bringing cheers and applause that rippled across the farm.
The night was filled with moments that showcased Luke’s versatility as an artist. He transitioned seamlessly between upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads, keeping the audience engaged every step of the way. Songs like "What Makes You Country," "One Margarita," and "Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset" had fans singing at the top of their lungs, while tracks like "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day" and "Crash My Party" were greeted with an enthusiasm that made the farm feel alive. One of the most unforgettable parts of the evening came when Tyler Hubbard joined Luke on stage for a duet of "This Is How We Roll." The chemistry between the two artists was undeniable, and their performance brought an added spark to an already electric night. It was the kind of surprise moment that makes live music so special, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
But Luke also made time for quieter, more reflective moments. His performance of "Drink A Beer," dedicated to songwriter Brett James, carried an emotional weight that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. The stillness of the crowd during this tribute was a testament to the shared feeling of loss and love that live music can so powerfully convey. Taking to the piano, Luke delivered stripped-down renditions of "Strip It Down," Jordan Davis’s "Buy Dirt," and his own hit "Do I." These acoustic moments felt intimate, as if Luke were playing just for the small-town crowd gathered on the farm that night. His voice carried a raw sincerity, reminding everyone why he’s become such a beloved figure in country music.
As the show continued, nature added its own layer to the performance. Rain began to fall during "Knockin' Boots," but rather than dampen the mood, it added an unexpected charm to the evening. Luke, ever the entertainer, embraced the moment by borrowing an umbrella from a fan and keeping the fun going. When he broke into "Rain Is A Good Thing," it felt as though the weather itself had become part of the performance, turning a downpour into a celebration. Luke saved some of his biggest hits for the final stretch, ending the night with a string of songs that brought the energy to its peak. The crowd danced and sang along to "Play It Again," "That's My Kind of Night," "Country Man," and the fan-favorite "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)." Even with the rain, the excitement never wavered, and the joy of the music brought everyone together in a way that only a live concert can.
Click The Image For The Full Luke Bryan Photo GalleryThe Farm Tour’s stop in Prairie Grove left a lasting mark on the community, bringing together locals and visitors in a celebration that went far beyond the music. The event also reinforced the mission of the Farm Tour, shining a light on the importance of supporting agriculture and the families who dedicate their lives to it. By turning the Berning Family Farms into a hub of activity, the concert highlighted the vital role these farms play in feeding communities and maintaining the traditions of hard work and perseverance. While the post-show traffic served as a reminder of the logistical challenges that come with such large gatherings, it didn’t dampen the spirit of those who attended. Fans left with memories of a night filled with unforgettable performances and a deeper appreciation for the community that made it all possible. Prairie Grove’s moment in the spotlight was as heartfelt as it was impactful, leaving everyone looking forward to what’s next.
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Luke Bryan Set-List:
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
I Don't Want This Night to End
Kick the Dust Up
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) {Toby Keith cover}
What Makes You Country
Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset
One Margarita
Country Song Came On
Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day
Love You, Miss You, Mean It
Roller Coaster
Crash My Party
This Is How We Roll (Florida Georgia Line cover) (with Tyler Hubbard)
Drink a Beer (Dedicated to Brent James)
Strip It Down (Acoustic Piano)
Buy Dirt (Jordan Davis cover) {Acoustic Piano}
Do I (Acoustic Piano)
Knockin' Boots
Drunk on You
Rain Is a Good Thing
Play It Again
That's My Kind of Night
Country Man
Country Girl (Shake It for Me)

