Willie Nelson: The man, the legend

Long braids (at least until he cut them off), a bandana, a guitar, some occasional run-ins with the law, and a voice like no other make up a man that will forever be an icon in the country music scene. If you live in Texas, you have probably heard of Willie Nelson. Shoot, even if you lived under a rock you have probably heard of Willie Nelson. The man is a legend.

During his career Nelson has written over 2,500 songs, released almost 300 albums, won 7 Grammy's and his music has remained popular through five decades. His first Grammy-winning song in 1975 "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" was the first of many, and still remains popular today. As if that weren't enough, he is also a philanthropist and an actor.

You would think that the almost 78-year-old Willie would want to slow down, however he shows no signs of it. 

PHOTO: stillisstillmoving.com

Nelson plays a big part in the Austin country music scene, and even hosts a Fourth of July Picnic (inspired by Woodstock) that includes many performances by other country music outlaws like Waylon Jennings. 

Another thing Willie Nelson is known for is smoking marijuana. Nelson is currently facing charges for possession, however is being offered a fairly unique sentence (Think about how Lindsay Lohan must feel). A Texas prosecutor says Nelson can resolve the charges simply by, "agreeing to plead guilty, pay a fine -- and sing 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' [his Grammy winning 1975 song] for the court." (Chicago Sun-Times). When charged, the judge demanded that Nelson show up in court rather than pleading by mail, because he wanted to see Willie. There has been no reply or comment on the sentencing, however if I were in Willie's shoes I would take the deal. 

"I am aware that he has been known to use pot for many years, I also know that Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson used to go out after supper and smoke a line of hemp and that's what marijuana's made out of," said County Attorney Kit Bramblett to the Washington Post.

If anyone were to second guess this sentencing, Bramblett would reply as he did in the Big Bend Sentinel, "You bet your ass I ain't gonna be mean to Willie Nelson."

Willie Nelson will be playing at the Backyard at Bee Cave on April 30th, as a type of birthday celebration. The event is open to all ages and standing tickets only cost $37.50. 

  

Rodeo Re-Cap and the Roadhouse Showcase

The Austin Rodeo is coming to an end this weekend, and although I did not manage to make it to any of the mainstream concerts I did make it to the Kyle Park outdoor concert. 

It was the perfect day (St. Patricks Day!) for an outdoor concert, and many people flocked to the stage as they heard the sound of music fill the air. The stage was setup on a patch of grass on the far side of the carnival (away from the rides) with an open area in front of the stage for people to sit wherever they wanted, but there were also benches around the outside if people didn't want to sit in the grass. Some even stood up and went to two step on the outskirts of the lawn. 

The concert itself was amazing, and Kyle Park did not let his fans down. He sang some songs from his original album "Big Time" and many of his popular hits including "Alone in the Light" and "Anywhere in Texas", along with some of his favorite songs by George Strait. 

All in all Kyle Park was a hit at the Rockin' A Ranch in Austin, and put on a show that was entertaining and fun.

PHOTO: Taylor Coen

Many other Texas country events occurred this past week including the famous Roadhouse Showcase put on by Austin's own radio station 98.1 KVET. 

This was  only the Second annual showcase, but proved to be very popular. This event took place at Peckerheads on Sixth and Trinity on March 16. 

The Texas country stars that performed included: Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Ryan Beaver and Whiskey Myers just to name a few. This event was free and open to the public, although the lines must have been pretty long considering the big names shown in the lineup!

Let's Rodeo Austin!

PHOTO: Hatbender.com

Every year around this time the Rodeo is everywhere. Billboards promote a certain alcoholic beverage as a sign that it's rodeo time and radio personalities name all the mainstream country favorites that are to be performing at the rodeo. It is enough to get anyone excited, and many hope to score tickets to see one of their favorites, like Keith Urban or Sugarland perform.

There are others, however who also enjoy the sound of Texas country, and the Austin rodeo provides just the place for them.

Don't know what Texas country is?

Texas country is a sub genre of country that is not mainstream, and the singers though not all the time, are from Texas. Texas country also uses more traditional sounds, and perform live in multiple places such as dance-halls, events, bars, etc.

Don't know where to find Texas country at a mainstream event like the Austin rodeo?

There is a section of the Austin rodeo called Rockin' A Outdoor Stage, where performances highlight some of Texas' most popular bands. These events take place in the Rockin' A Ranch which is located by the North Fairgrounds Entrance next to Ol' McDonalds Farm. This year the event will be taking place from March 11 to March 26.

Performers this year include Cody Riley Band, Backseat Molly, Kyle Bennett Band and my personal favorite Kyle Park, just to name a few.

PHOTO: austinpost.org

Another area rodeo goers can get their Texas country fix along with some two steppin' is at Bullet Proof. Bullet Proof is held in a private area on the fairgrounds, and tickets are on the expensive side costing form $100 to $5,000. Bullet Proof opens on the last two days of the rodeo, March 25 and March 26, and serves as a kind of 'goin' out with a bang' type place. This year the performers at Bullet Proof include Mark Winston Kirk, Steven Franks and SUEDE.