Willie Nelson is 86! Take a second to wrap that around your head. In 1958 he wrote songs that would become country standards, including "Funny How Time Slips Away", "Hello Walls", "Pretty Paper", and "Crazy". I will turn 70 in a few months and I was 9 when he did that! He is the living backbone of American music. It was such a thrill to see him and his whole family as a part of this show. Not only is his set fully embraced by family members but his son Lukas is becoming a huge force in the current Americana-Country scene with original songs and as a notable lead guitarist. If that weren't enough, Willie's other son Micah was the opening act with his group Particle Kid. To round out the show which began at 2:45 PM and finished at 10:30 PM, there were The Revivalists, Alison Krauss and Phil Lesh and Friends. The program was exceptional, set changes smooth and the audience appreciative. Willie has asked that no photos be taken and I obliged. Alison Krauss requested that photos be taken from the crowd therefore my images of her set are more distant. She had a full stage change which you will clearly notice. Her performance with this (original) Union Station was nothing short of PERFECT. Every note, instrumental and vocal could not have been better. I was further transfixed by Matt Rollings on piano with Alison. Perfectly stellar talent (check his accomplishments online).

None of this would have been possible were it not for a dear friend who is involved in the production of these programs and allowed for me to witness with my wife. Thank you, thank you, thank you G!! I hope you'll enjoy this collection of highlights sans Willie.
Peace, Jack