Temperatures that were upwards of 100 degrees didn’t deter 10,000 fans from filling Hollywood Casino Amphitheater last Sunday. Concertgoers were dressed up with their Willie Nelson braids and rugged country attire as they lie in wait for the father of outlaw country to grace the stage as the founder and headliner of the festival.
The show was kicked off with a 30 minute set from Particle Kid, known to very few as J. Micah Nelson and the son of Willie Nelson. He and his acoustic guitar was flanked by an orange octopus and a pair of brown leather work boots atop a barstool. He warmed up with crowd with a very different and sound, unlike most traditional country music, whether it be of the outlaw or newer, mainstream variety. His arrangements contained sound effects of a peculiar nature, but his vocals made it evident that he was definitely a Nelson.
Particle Kid’s performance was followed by a 45 minute, 9-song set by Nashville’s own, Molly Tuttle. Born in California, but transplanted in the Country Music Capital USA, Tuttle proved to the crowd that she is right where she belongs: on stage. She and her energetic band consisted a fiddle, banjo, she and her acoustic guitar, upright bass, and electric guitar, which proved to be the perfect combination of country as we knew it back in the 80s and 90s: unapologetically strong with an adorable, yet fierce accent and melody.
Next, Trampled By Turtles was filled with a substantial amount of energy and came and left every bit of it on the stage. They played an hour long, 13 -song set that began to really engage the crowd. After speaking to several concertgoers, many of them stated that they were there just to see the band and that the other acts were a very solid bonus. Interestingly, all of the bands thus far were without drums, but their ferocity proved no need for them.
At 7:25 P.M. the sun was beginning it’s descent, but shining brightly on the west side of the stage as though the heavens were opening up and gracing us with one of the biggest legends of our time as Robert Plant, along with Alison Krauss entered stage right along with their band of seasoned musicians.
The vision of Plant was surreal and the entrance made by Krauss was mesmerizing as she seemingly floated onto center stage, glowing and graceful. The pair opened the show in savage fashion right out of the gate. The chemistry between the two is evident and seemingly destined.
The pair performed an hour and 10 minute set with 13 songs including one Robert Plant solo number, In The Mood, and 4 Led Zeppelin covers including Rock and Roll, Gallows Pole, The Battle of Evermore, and When The Levee Breaks. None of the Zeppelin covers were performed in original fashion, but rather with a melodic and somewhat country influence. ‘Evermore blew the roof off the place with it’s ominous and almost dark rendition with bone chilling harmonies between Plant and Krauss. The crowd erupted at the very first sight of them, which was a fitting preface to the father of Outlaw Country himself, Mr. Willie Nelson.
Nelson took the stage around 9:00 P.M. and played an hour long set. Despite being 90 years old and still doing what he’s always done so well, his voice sounded strong, perhaps stronger than last year. Some might say that Willie still has some tours left in him. He still wears “Trigger” (the name of his famed guitar) loud and proud. His band proved to put on a very tight show and never had a slow moment. His banter was candid, yet sincere. His performance had the classic sound that we all know and love, but also relevant and hip. Nelson headlines his music festival with an amazing line up every year, yet he proved that he was not about skating on past success, but making a memorable night of music and he’s even shown that he continues to grow musically.
Willie was joined on stage by all of his openers: Molly Tuttle, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss, Trampled by Turtles, as well as his son with whom he harmonized beautifully.
The Outlaw Music Festival is proving to be more and more spectacular each year, inviting folks to experience the incomparable, pioneering, legendary musical artists of our time.
