Thanks to Annie and Willie Nelson for hosting two amazing events at their ranch in Luck, Texas. And thanks to all the organizers and volunteers who helped make it happen. Mother Nature had other plans, but it didn’t stop the music or the fellowship or the reunion of fans and friends.
There was a dangerous lightening storm last night, causing the Luck Reunion concert to be cancelled. Starting at noon, we got to hear some great music, from three separate stages. It was very hot, but there was a breeze, too, and scattered clouds, so we were all surviving, drinking lots of liquids. But then, about sixish, they announced a storm was coming, and be prepared. That wasn’t enough to make us in the front rows leave, though. Then it got so cold, and the lightening and thunder so loud and bright, and they announced that we should take immediate cover. Finally, it took the emergency vehicles to drive through and emphasize just how dangerous it is to be out in a lightening storm, in front of a stage with giant scaffolding and lights.
People scattered safely, and took refuge in the church, and in the barn, and packed into the World Headquarters. It was quite a scene. Luck looked so beautiful in the dark blue light of the sky, with their strings of lights and neon signs. We were asked to go to our cars, or hop on a shuttle back to our cars. I think the people who were watching the weather, knew that the storm circling overhead was not going anywhere.
Margo Price and her band waited out the storm performing for the other music lovers who had stuck around under the tent. It was a great set — check out her music at http://margoprice.net. She is on FaceBook, too, at www.FaceBook.com/Margoprice. She came back out and sang on the gospel set at end of Willie Nelson’s show, too.
The shuttle buses started running, and took people to their cars. Many stuck it out, hoping it would pass, but the storm just stayed on top of us circling! Many people left early to beat the storm. It rained really hard for a while, and everyone standing around who had not taken shelter yet, crunched in together on the porch of the World Headquarters, and watched the light show.
The rain did let up, then stop — but the lightening storm never did, and that’s the reason they had to close the big stage down. It was a public safety issue, and the Fire Marshalls and Sheriff’s department have to make us leave to keep us safe. Still, there was no official word that the show from the large stage was cancelled. And mixed announcements about everything being cancelled, and that music would be started up again soon. Everyone was so happy to be there, stuck out the storm, and we just mingled around enjoying our selves.
Then after a while, they started wrapping up cords and carrying equipment from the stage — and we knew it did not look good for the concert from the big stage. And believe me, we were disappointed. There are a few of us, and you know who you are, who work hard for that priceless real estate in front of the stage at a Willie Nelson concert. It is not for the feeble hearted, and I tell new Willie Nelson fans not to try this until they have been to a few festivals. But finally, when we saw them wrapping up the cords on the stage, we knew our efforts failed us, this time.
Finally, the guys working the stage told the folks out front that the s how had been cancelled. Then lots more people went home, But people stayed, too. They opened up the food trucks, and wet and cold people stood in long lines for hot food. It was a festive atmosphere. And then there was word that bands had started playing in the barn, and people migrated over there.
Then a giant cheer came from the Revival Tent, and they started playing music there. More folks walked back to the Big Tent, and crowded in. The tent filled up fast, and they continued on with the bands that had not left the area yet. The tent was packed, but it was so beautiful out there, no one wanted to go home, everyone wanted to listen to more music. Then, even later, and when it was much colder, a buzz started going around that Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson were going to come down from their Ranch and play. Then, they start hauling in more equipment, and Micah Nelson and the Insects vs Robots magically appear, and they perform a set.
Willie and Annie Nelson and Bill Murray stood on the side, and enjoyed watching Micah Nelson and Insects vs Robots perform, along with other family members and fans.
And then Willie Nelson and Annie Nelson and Lukas Nelson came in, with Bill Murray in tow. And Willie and Lukas take the stage, join in with Micah Nelson on drums and others of the IvR band. Kevin Smith, from Willie Nelson’s band, performed, too. Lily Meola stuck around through the storm and the rain and sang, “Will You Remember Mine” with Willie. Willie threw solos to the IvR fiddle player a few times, and it looked like Willie really enjoyed playing with the band. We all enjoyed him, that’s for sure.
Janis and I were the last they had to peel from the big stage, of course so we got late to the dance at the Revival Tent, and even our good looks and Media/Photo passes, with a Gold Star, were not enough to get us in the tent. The Fire Marshalls were everywhere, so I get it — that tent was packed. We were in, then moved out, then let in, and moved out, but very happy to be there, moving around like that.
But finally, we got moved out and not let back in. But the crew guy by us kindly let us roll up the tent so we could listen well, and I had an obstructed but appreciated view of the Stage, most of the time. Janis had no view, but good sound, she said. Photos not clear, but wanted to share a few photos to share the fun of watching Willie Nelson perform with his sons, under a tent with hundreds of fans in a light storm.
Here’s photos Theresa Filarowicz shared on Facebook, from her seat out front. Thanks, Theresa.
Our new album, Hard to Please, is now available via brick and mortar retail, iTunes, Amazon.com, or our online store. Get an advance listen to a few tunes via the links below:
www.LuckReunion.com
