#country rebel waylon jennings tribute | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

themusicenthusiast · 6 years

Text

Saturday, May 19th, 2018 – Shooter Jennings Previews New Tunes Amid Fan Favorites while Helping Rockwall Celebrate Founder’s Day

Apparently, Rockwall, Texas is the free live music capital of North Texas. I’ll confess, that’s a fact I was unaware of; and as the city prepared to mark another year since it was established, they were going all out. An event where Rockwall natives and residents can celebrate their city, the annual Founder’s Day seemed like the ideal family friendly event. Taking place at Harry Myers Park, it allowed for the event to feel somewhat secluded, despite it not being too far away from the downtown area. From the sprawling grounds where kids could play, to other activities set up around the park and plenty of food vendors and trucks, Founder’s Day had a little bit of everything to offer. In a way it was rather quaint, capturing the idealistic small-town aura, most everyone there seeming to know one another, while also being accommodating to other North Texas residents who decided to seize the opportunity and explore a side of Rockwall they may not have known existed. And, of course, there was live music. A day full of it, a handful of local artists playing from the morning through the afternoon, setting up the two headline caliber acts that the city had tapped to perform this year. The first of those was Shooter Jennings. A substantial amount of people had gathered on the hilly patch of land that overlooked the main stage, few people being able to turn down a free event; the throng of attendees applauding once city officials introduced Jennings and company. “How you doing, Rockwall? Happy birthday.” That was greeting Jennings extended as he and his band mates kicked off their set, one that would be just as long as the act they were setting the stage for.

The sun beginning to set, it was still beating down on everyone. “How y’all doing out in the heat?” Jennings asked after their opener, sounding genuinely concerned about everyone. “Yeah, it’s hot as hell. But we’re here to have a good time,” he remarked as they continued working to make that good time a reality. One so good that patrons could kind of forget about the intensity of the heat. Jennings’ wore his heart on his sleeve this night, such as owning the outlaw country mentality by including some songs that expressed his feelings (and more touched on the reality) regarding the current state of Nashville and country music. “Well, I been sinking like a rock in this high society, 'cause all that means so much to them, don't mean shit to me…” That opening line of “Solid Country Gold” sums up the track perfectly, and it was paired nicely with “The Outsider", a seamless transition making each feel as if they were part of the same story. The first setting up the feeling of disconnect, while the latter was all about embracing it. Surrounded by a guitarist, bassist, drummer and a fiddle player (‘cause if you’re going to play in Texas…), Jennings and his band mates continued tearing through the set list, next touching on a couple of offerings from Electric Rodeo. The avid fans in attendance were overjoyed to hear the gorgeous “Gone To Carolina”, some cheers erupting once they recognized it. A fine blend of sweet and delicate and gritty, rocking country, it highlighted the vast range in which Jennings has to work, being a versatile musician who is equally as amazing when it comes to handling a balled-esque number as he is when boldly singing one of his country/rock hybrids. Barely 24-hours prior to this show it had been announced that Jennings would have a new record out, Shooter set for release on August 10th (and out via Elektra Records), a lead single releasing as well. One would have imagined he and his band would offer some taste of the new record on this particular evening, though it wound up being more of a comprehensive look than anyone would have even dared hope for. In all they would perform five of the songs that will be featured on Shooter, the first of which was one originally found on the Don’t Wait Up (For George) EP. Fully capturing the somber tone depicted in the lyrics, Jennings and his acoustic guitar along with the fiddle were the only things heard on the brief, though emotional “Living in a Minor Key”. Another previously released number was Jennings’ Texas anthem, the one penned last year in the wake of hurricane Harvey, done so that the proceeds benefited the relief fund. “When I say, ‘do you love Texas?’, I need you to say, ‘hell yeah!’,” he informed everyone. Maybe it was the hot weather, or perhaps it was the fact that most of the patrons were there just to hang out and enjoy a carefree Saturday. Whatever it was, both main acts had a tough time getting audience participation going. That just meant that the musicians had to put some extra effort into songs like “Do You Love Texas?”, which stands as a quintessential Texas song; and even if few chimed in on the lyrics, everyone did enjoy hearing it. The gears shifted around the halfway mark, Jennings setting down his guitar and taking a seat at the keyboard. The sound may have changed slightly, though the demeanor didn’t, as “Manifesto No. 1” quickly proved, the invigorating song being infectious and a perfect foot stomper. “All of This Could Have Been Yours” was another stunning one that they did, the instrumental breakdown that was thrown in adding significantly to it, turning an already impressive song into something breathtaking. Wistfully nostalgic, the new single proceeded it, “Fast Horses And Good Hideouts” sounding even better in the live environment than what the recording suggests. It was readily apparent just what a deeply personal track it is, Jennings going above and beyond in terms of the emotion injected into it. Back on the guitar, some of the best had been saved for last. “This is a song about Nashville,” Jennings remarked ahead of his song that honors all the rebels – past and present – while again taking aim at the current state of mainstream country music. “Outlaw You” is splendid, being truthful and unapologetic as it addresses those who claim to be country or an outlaw but lack the heart that accompanies it. Their 85-minute long set nearing its conclusion, Jennings dedicated his final original of the evening to his wife, thanking her for flying down to Texas in order to spend the day with him. Not only was the city of Rockwall celebrating another year of existence, so, too, was Jennings. A classy move, it was hard not to be impressed by the fact that not only had he not mentioned his birthday earlier, not wanting to distract from the celebration of the city, he only did mention the personal significance the day held for him when speaking of what his wife had done for him. “Rhinestone Eyes” was for her, a beautiful tale that depicts the depths of love. Still far from done, they closed it out with a handful of covers, Waylon and Hank Jr. included among them; Jennings eventually thanking everyone and walking off the stage, leaving his band mates to go all out for a roaring instrumental finish. I had seen Shooter Jennings once before, a few years back when he was being backed by Waymore’s Outlaws. That was a special experience, though I would say this performance was a little better overall. That one was about paying tribute to the past, with plenty of Waylon Jennings covers thrown in, best that I remember. The one on this night was more about Shooter and his own material, spotlighting many of the highlights of his career thus far and whetting appetites for what’s to come, while also honoring some of the country greats that paved the way for him. A true-blue country artist with a definite outlaw streak, Shooter Jennings serves as a purveyor of legitimate country music and is one of many key figures helping to instill hope in the genre. He possesses the mentality and even the attitude, that certain swagger being a prominent aspect of his performance, never having to work in order for it to show, but something that was evident to all watching. And that makes he and his band all the more transfixing to watch, the nuanced way in which they finesse the onlookers being impossible to resist as they earn the audiences’ respect. It was clear on this particular night that they had a job to do, knowing full well that it was to entertain, and they certainly made sure that everyone had a great time, providing one of many memorable moments for the day. Jennings’ jam-packed tour schedule will continue this summer, Jennings getting back on the road on June 2nd with a performance at Summer Fest in Brighton, CO. He’ll be back in the Lone Star State soon enough, too. That includes a June 24th performance at Gas Monkey Live as part of the annual Taste of Dallas event. June 8th will find him in Austin at Texas Rot Rally, with other gigs planned for Belton, TX, Splendora, TX and Pilot Point, TX at Schoepf’s Backyard (June 21st), Coals Smokehouse (the 22nd) and Western Son Distillery (the 23rd), respectively. That’s just scratching the surface. He has plenty of show dates lined up all around the U.S. through the fall. A full listing and details can be found HERE; and be sure to pre-order Shooter in iTUNES or GOOGLE PLAY. Set List: 1) “Steady at the Wheel” 2) “Solid Country Gold” 3) “The Outsider” 4) “Electric Rodeo” 5) “Gone To Carolina” 6) “The Door” (George Jones cover) 7) “Living in a Minor Key” 8) “Do You Love Texas?” 9) “4th of July” (momentary “Deep In The Heart Of Texas” outro) 10) “The Real Me" 11) “The Other Life” 12) “Manifesto No. 1” 13) “Denim and Diamonds” 14) “All of This Could Have Been Yours” 15) “Fast Horses And Good Hideouts” 16) “Wild and Lonesome” 17) “Outlaw You” 18) “Rhinestone Eyes” 19) “Belle of the Ball” (Waylon Jennings cover) 20) “The White Trash Song” (Steve Young cover) 21) “The Pressure Is On” (Hank Williams, Jr. cover) 22) “Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues” (Danny O’Keefe cover)

0 notes

redbarntheater · 8 years

Text

2008 MAINSTAGE SERIES

Cowboys and Outlaws Conceived by Colin Stewart and Chris McHarge June 12 - 28

Relive the great moments of country music from the perspective of the cowboys and outlaws of the American West. This new musical revue mixes classic and new country: the early years of Glen Campbell, Gene Autry and Ernest Tubb give way to industry-spurning rebels Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers. Family entertainment Previews June 12. Opens June 13.

Vegas Knights Conceived by Chris McHarge, Colin Stewart and Derek Marshall July 3 - 29

Audience favorite Derek Marshall (Heaven’s Little Honky Tonk and Summer of Love) returns to The Red Barn as the great entertainers of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, accompanied by a seven piece band. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Louis Prima and Elvis Presley are the heroic knights who put Las Vegas on the map. Family entertainment Previews July 3. Opens July 4.

Bernard Slade's Same Time, Next Year July 24 - August 9

One of the most popular romantic comedies of the last century, Same Time, Next Year follows the secret love affair of a couple who rendezvous just one weekend a year. Over two and a half decades, the seemingly mismatched pair share the personal triumphs and setbacks of their day-to-day lives with humour and honesty. This show was a hit on Broadway and was adapted into a much-loved Oscar nominated film. Adult content. Occasional coarse language Previews July 24. Opens July 25.

More Broadway Treasures Conceived by Jordan Merkur August 14 - September 6

Hot on the heels of last season’s break-out success, Broadway Treasures, this brand new musical revue will explore more triumphant moments from hit musical offerings – with songs that will remind you why musical theatre continues to captivate its audiences and thrive! Family entertainment Previews August 14. Opens August 15.

2008 ENCORE SERIES

Freddy Vette and The Flames June 5 - 7 Diane Haggerty Productions

Back by popular demand - Freddy and the gang will kick off the 2008 season with their rockin’ concert revue and your favorite hits from the 1950’s.

Freddy and the gang will rock the house with your favorite hits of the 1950's from Elvis to Buddy Holly to Jerry Lee Lewis to Brenda Lee and the Shirelles. Freddy shares the stage with three lovely ladies (the Flames), and four outstanding musicians who round out this high octane tribute to the glory days of rock and roll. Family entertainment

Yuk Yuk’s July 13 Mark Breslin’s internationally acclaimed tour returns to the Barn for an evening of standup comedy.

The Second City August 3 The Classic troupe returns to perform great improvisational and sketch comedy.

Adult content

0 notes