Rock Turtleneck will be on vacation next week celebrating the birthday of our great nation. And as he has done for over 30 years, our dear, dear friend Willie Nelson will be hosting his annual 4th of July picnic. For the first time, this year's show will not be in the Lone Star State but in the Washington State, at the Gorge. Friday's New York Times had a wonderful article about this time-honored tradition: great music and cold, cold beer, with Willie and Family taking the stage somewhere around midnight. If you have never had the privilege of seeing Willie do his thing live, clear your calendar and see him as soon as possible. If you are in the New York metropolitan area (or even if you are not), catch him when Farm Aid comes to Randall's Island on September 9th.
Beyond his status as a legendary singer and songwriter, Willie Nelson is one of the most badass guitar slingers who ever walked the earth. With the possible exception of Paul McCartney's Hofner bass, Willie's battered Martin guitar "Trigger" is probably the single most iconic instrument in popular music. In honor of Willie, America and everything they stand for, here's a clip of that perrenial workhorse of an opening, "Whiskey River/Stay a Little Longer" from the '74 picnic. Grab a brisket sandwich, crack open a frosty bottle of Dixie (Or this year, an Olympia) and enjoy.
1 comments:
Any Olympia reference is a fine reference, indeed.
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