Willie Nelson at dedication of statue in Austin.
The first time we saw Willie Nelson and Family was in the 70’s at Austin’s Waterloo Park. Over the years we have attended several of his July 4th Picnics, and Farm Aid events. (This year’s Farm Aid in September is already sold out.)
People love Willie and his music. He is one of the few entertainers who doesn’t need fancy settings and lighting to connect with the audience, establishing a mutual appreciation that lasts for years. This was very evident as we talked to people at yesterday’s Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson. We were all quick to share our “Willie” stories that flowed in a stream of love. It is said that “Texas is a state of mind,” for us this 80-year-old singer/song-writer (a true poet) is a state of mind.
Jody Payne
Last night’s concert was straight-ahead music for 90 minutes. If he had a message to convey, it was in the music. I was a little surprised that he didn’t mention the death (August 10, 2013) of his longtime friend, Jody Payne. Jody played guitar with Willie for 30 years. You can see a video of Bobbie Nelson is on piano, Johnny Gimble on the fiddle, and Jody Payne on guitar, filmed in Willie’s Church in his town called Luck in Texas at willienelson.com.
As we have done so often in the past, we set on the ground, this time for 2 1/2 hours, which included the talented young band, Wild Feathers. For my old body to allow me to sit on the hard ground that long is testimonial to how entertaining the evening was at the 5,000-seat Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheater (AVA) at the Casino Del Sol Resort. It’s a great venue for music under the stars on a pleasant desert night. The only thing that seems to be missing from last night’s concert, compared to those in the past, was a whiff of marijuana smoke in the air — just “roll me up and smoke me when I die.”
The more I look at these gray-headed guys with white beards, the more I can see why, while lounging by the Casino pool yesterday, a guy came over and ask if I was a member of Willie’s band. I thought about playing along, telling him I was Merle Haggard, Willie’s special guest — I’ve been told I look like Merle, it might have worked.Oh, well!
I didn’t have any of my cameras with me, just my iPhone, so I put together a few clips to give you an idea of what the evening was like. I would like for the quality to be better, but these smart phone cameras are getting better all the time.
kenne
Related articles
- Jody Payne, Willie Nelson guitarist, dead at 77 (nydailynews.com)
Thanks for sharing this! Can imagine being there….
Kenne, thanks for sharing this great event. I have not had the pleasure of seeing Willie live but love his music! Judy
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If he’s ever near you, go see him — the experience will be well worth it.
Kenne
I will drive tomorrow to the hike with Ron tomorrow. Will we park at the Ski lift area or do I take the road past Ski Valley to the towers.
Thanks
Jeff 296-7892
Sent from my iPad
It should be the sky-lift area. If not, I will call you.
Love the clips and I love Willie….
When I first saw Willie, he was in his mid-forties, I thought he look old then. Now I think he looks the same — something to be said for look old when you are young, you stay the same for a much longer time.
Reblogged this on The Road.
Thanks for the reblog.
Well I think your iPhone took pretty good video! It sure picked-up on the fun, too!
Great!