SHERYL CROW LIVE!! | WALNUT CREEK
Sheryl Crow at the American Roots Music Festival – October 17–18, 2015
Event: American Roots Music Festival
Venue: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC
Lineup Highlights: Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Eric Church, Modest Mouse, Grace Potter, Trombone Shorty, Chris Stapleton, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more
The 2015 American Roots Music Festival was more than a concert—it was a two-day communion of musical heritage, storytelling, and soul. Held at the scenic Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, the festival brought together a genre-defying lineup of artists who each embody the spirit of American roots music in their own way.
Among the most anticipated performances was Sheryl Crow, whose blend of rock, folk, and country has long made her a bridge between generations and genres. Taking the stage with her signature Gibson guitar and sun-kissed vocals, Crow delivered a set that was both intimate and electrifying.
Fans recall a mix of her biggest hits and deeper cuts that resonated with the festival’s rootsy vibe. Highlights included:
“If It Makes You Happy” – a cathartic singalong moment
“Strong Enough” – stripped down and emotionally raw
“Everyday Is a Winding Road” – a joyful, crowd-rousing anthem
“Long Ride Home” or “Redemption Day” – fitting tributes to the festival’s reflective tone
Crow’s performance was marked by her easy rapport with the audience, her seasoned band’s tight musicianship, and a sense of reverence for the artists who came before her—especially Willie Nelson, with whom she shares a deep musical kinship.
The presence of Willie Nelson elevated the festival to legendary status. As the patriarch of outlaw country and a tireless advocate for American farmers, Nelson’s performance was both a celebration and a benediction. While it’s unconfirmed whether Crow and Nelson shared the stage for a duet that night, their history of collaboration—most notably on “If I Were a Carpenter”—made the possibility of a joint performance a tantalizing prospect for fans. For those in attendance, the 2015 American Roots Music Festival was a rare convergence of artistry and authenticity. Sheryl Crow’s performance stood out as a heartfelt homage to the roots of American music, delivered with grace, grit, and gratitude. It was a moment of musical communion—where legends and rising stars alike reminded us why live music matters.
