Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on November 19, 2025
The Livery | Benton Harbon, MI | photos by Dan Ward
The leaves have mostly left the trees and the first snowstorm has already paid a visit. The skies hang a hazy gray over ever-shortening daylight hours—prime conditions for a visit from Chicago Farmer, who always seems to arrive just in time to chase away the end-of-fall blues. For several years running, Cody Diekhoff — aka Chicago Farmer — has made the journey around the bottom of Lake Michigan to bring his infectious music to grateful fans. Tonight, he doubles down on tradition by bringing along Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle.
Buffalo Wabs and The Price Hill Hustle brought a large, cheering crowd with them — and anyone who assumed they were a “new” opening act was quickly proven wrong. The Cincinnati-based quartet of Matt Wabnitz (guitar/voice), Casey Campbell (drums), Scott Risner (mandolin, banjo, guitar), and Bill Baldock (bass/banjo) are all accomplished musicians. Tonight, they stacked the deck by adding brothers Wes (keys/guitar) and Aaron Smith (fiddle).
We are all in for a treat. The depth of talent in this group runs deep. Every musician interacts seamlessly, each trade-off is tight, and the sheer number of instruments each member plays — and plays well — is impressive.
The band sets the mood with the soulful “Birmingham,” followed by “Vagabonds Lament,” which highlights the virtuosity of Scott and Aaron. Throughout the night, Scott rotates between mandolin, banjo, and electric guitar, pulling the best qualities from each instrument. Aaron’s fiddle work ranges from lyrical melodies to smoking-fast riffs to percussive counterpoints — all delivered with an effortless calm.
Casey and Aaron trade places so Casey can take the lead on one of my favorites: “King of St. Patty’s Day.” Casey handles many of the band’s vocals, but under the spotlight he shines even brighter. Matt (aka Buffalo Wabs) leans into acoustic guitar and gritty vocals to shape the song’s subject matter into something timeless. It’s a rollicking lament that feels just as at home under the Chicago skyline as it would along the River Liffey in Dublin.
The ensemble launches into their fan-favorite “Ramona,” electrifying the crowd. Wes shows his versatility on keys, bass, and electric guitar, often taking the lead with sensational musicianship. The trade-offs give Bill a chance to put down the bass and pick up the banjo, letting loose with soulful picking. “Lonesome Town,” “Helios,” “Two Brothers,” and “Famous” follow, each revealing another facet of the group’s breadth.
They close the first set with “I’m Coming Home,” “Rudy,” and “Ode to a Friend.” Anyone unfamiliar with the band before tonight has certainly discovered a new favorite.
The two bands have been playing a short run together, so I ask Cody Jensen — the band’s keyboardist and mandolinist — about trucking around all the gear. He explains that they’ve been smart about choosing equipment they can share to save space. As my mother used to say, “Cooperation amongst units wins the war.” (She worked for the OSS, so I tend to believe she knew what she was talking about.) After a brief reset, Chicago Farmer takes the stage.
Chicago Farmer has a vibrant, devoted fan base. They represent all walks of life, but tend to gather around the hardworking people who keep the country moving — teachers, farmers, factory workers — the beating heart of his colorful songwriting palette. Even his stage name reflects this essence: “Chicago,” the working city with its shoulder to the wheel, paired with “Farmer,” the profession that helped settle civilization itself. He is, in many ways, the everyman.
The band kicks off the set with songs fans know by heart, and the crowd sings along with unrestrained joy. “Sorry” opens the set before giving way to “$13 Beers.” True fans probably paused reading just now to hear the chorus echo in their heads.
The hard-driving Chicago blues of “200 Miles” gives guitarist Jaik Willis and keyboardist Cody Jensen room to show off their flair. While the audience sways and stomps, Farmer hits them with another beloved sing-along: “Deer in the Sky.”
The treasured tunes keep coming — “Indiana Line,” “Farms and Factories,” and “Battle Cry.” The band digs into “Peshtigo,” a song about America’s deadliest fire, sung with such fevered intensity you can almost feel the flames. Chicago Farmer has countless moving songs, but the depth of this tragedy makes “Peshtigo” my current favorite.
The tone turns contemplative with “I’m Still Here” and the gritty “Twenty Dollar Bill.” Chicago Farmer always knows how to pace a set, as shown by the perfectly paired “Big House Small House,” the sing-along staple “Mattress,” and “Nobody’s Fault” — different flavors, same spirit, all pure Farmer magic.
Tonight, guitarist Jaik Willis is recovering from a recent car wreck. He’s fine, but not quite ready to sing, so bassist Charlie Harris steps up to cover vocals. The two Codys (Diekhoff and Jensen) tease him about microphone etiquette, offering a glimpse of the band’s true magic: they deeply care for one another. Pragmatic and steady — like the city they represent — they get it done.
Drummer Frank Kurtz adds so much to the live experience it’s hard to summarize just how vital he is. His playing is spot-on and his nuanced rhythm elevates every song. It’s easy to forget Frank is back there with so much happening up front, but he’s the glue that holds the whole operation together.
The night flies by, and suddenly it’s nearly eleven. The band sends out “Fish and Whistle” before Cody offers a hilarious observation about Romeoville being right next to Joliet. A brand-new composition, “Romeoville,” pays homage to that revelation before the band closes with “Homeaid.” Home is where the heart is — and Chicago Farmer takes us there with every measure.
A new release is on the horizon, and if tonight is any indication, it promises to be another collection of heartfelt Midwestern truth. Look for it soon on all streaming platforms.
