Willie Nelson’s picnic had all the good things we go to the picnic for: Willie Nelson & Family live on stage, his kids and grand kids and extended family members performing with their bands, several great Texas musicians and other picnic regulars from out of state, Kinky Friedman, and a big-name touring country star to mix it up and bring in those young new country music fans.
It wasn’t on the back forty at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth — this year they brought the picnic back to Austin for the 4th of July celebration. Not back to a large field like Dripping Springs, but to the state-of-the art Austin360 amphitheater, set inside a giant race track.
Fourth of July celebrants packed the place. There was such a collection of great music.
There were two stages, to accommodate all the artists on the line up. One was on a grassy knoll (I named it that), with picnic tables and room to stretch out. The other side was the amphitheater, with a concrete pit area for standing room only in front of stage, then chairs an behind that, a grassy area. It was huge.
My unscientific survey found that everyone especially liked the smaller stage area, comfort-wise speaking, and access to the performers. There was a grassy lawn in front of a stage with a low railing in front. People could spread out and stretch their legs, there was room for dancing. Families sat at one of a hand full of picnic tables and ate their lunch.
The venue was so big, it was hard to to move from stage to stage to see the different acts, once they started alternating acts on the two stages. Especially once they opened up the large stage area, and people parked themselves in the pit, holding on to those coveted front row spots. And it was hot for hustling between stages, for some (me). Some chose one stage or the other, and parked themselves there, until the small stage area closed, and there was only one performer at a time on the big stage.
There was an air-conditioned bathroom a few feet away. It was nice. It let the fans get up close and personal with the bands that played that stage. I know, there were too many people in the evening to spread out like that, but a grassy field up front instead of concrete would have been nice.
VIP guests, and photographers, got to enjoy Bobbie’s Lounge, which had places to sit, misting fans, and a private bar. There was a similar bar, honoring Paul on the other end of the venue, for the VIP. It was so hot, it saved me a couple times.
The picnic has changed venues before, of course, it hasn’t always been at the Stockyards, or even in Texas. I’ve celebrated the 4th with Willie in Michigan, and in Washington state. But for the past few years it has been at Billy Bob’s, and we had our routines down. New venue, new challenges. There were complaints and there were compliments about the new place, but mostly there were people having un and enjoying the music and chance to spend the 4th of July with Willie Nelson & Family.
Thanks for another great picnic, Willie.
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