Last night, we had the honor and privilege of attending the Library of Congress' celebration of Willie Nelson’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song tribute concert at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.
The line-up included Rosanne Cash, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson and the Mavericks’ Raul Malo, Edie Brickell, Cyndi Lauper, Leon Bridges, Lukas and Micah Nelson and Promise of the Real, as well as Paul Simon and Neil Young.
Neil Young and Promise of the Real opened the evening with a 2 song set: "Whiskey River" and "Stay a Little Longer."
Paul Simon was actually the first person presented the honor, with Willie becoming the eighth to join the esteemed ranks. According to the Library of Congress, when selecting a recipient of the Gershwin Prize, Librarian of Congress James Billington "consulted leading members of the music and entertainment communities, as well as curators from the Library’s Music Division, American Folklife Center and Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division."
Even though he recently postponed dates on his Django and Jimmie Tour with Merle Haggard because of an unnamed health concern, Willie seemed to be in fine form.
Willie made a few brief remarks thanking the Library of Congress' for the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, as dignitaries and members of Congress, such as Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, looked on.
Willie Nelson is first country musician to receive the Gershwin Prize.
The prestigious award honors a living performer and/or composer whose contributions to popular music exemplify the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin.
Willie Nelson performed with his sons Lukas and Micah Nelson, as well.
The concert ended with all performers on "On The Road Again".
The show will air nationwide on PBS on Friday, January 15 at 9 p.m. ET.
Thanks everybody for liking Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize page on Facebook!
Hey Thrasher you really are a great documentarian. Thanks for such an all-encompassing look at last night;s festivities. I really appreciate being there without being there!
ReplyDeleteWow! Lucky old Thrasher! Very envious - but you deserve it. Was it as good as we imagine?
ReplyDelete@Patricia - thank you for the kind words. Yes, a wonderful evening of memories. We feel very lucky to have been invited. Heck, it's the all-time coolest ticket stubs of all time with gold foil press.
ReplyDeleteWe're looking forward to broadcast next year.
@ growl - it was even better than imagined.
Actually, since this was being filmed for broadcast, there was a bit of stop & starting.
At one point, they had to do a re-take of Willie & Cyndy. Which was kind of fun. Altho we remarked "why couldn't they do a re-do on Neil & POTR?
When we 1st looked at stage, I saw Neil's rig and Old Black. And then the whole thing opened with Neil which was a surprise. Neil had fun with Willie at end along with the sons. It really is quite a joy to see these finale's with everyone playing and singing and the audience on its feet right along. Now that's something the broadcast won't have is that emotional pull of the Big Room.
Should also mention the program along with ticket are pretty primo souvenirs.
Thanks Willie for all the songs!
wow not just Neil but what an amazing lineup of great musicians. total bad-assery!
ReplyDeleteThrasher,
ReplyDeleteI've said it before and I'll say it again:
You're living the life!
@Eric - total bad-assery would be one way to put it. Maybe epic bitchin'?!
ReplyDelete@ GR - Thanks. You know, this will probably come across wrong but what the heck.
Here you go.... as hard as it is to beleive, you can live the life. Everyone can live the life.
That is, if you know The Way. And folks then say, what is "The Way"? Well, sort of like Alice selecting the fork in the road, it doesn't matter which fork (or way) if you don't know where you're going.
So pick that destination to live the life and you will find "The Way".
More on "The Way"
http://neilyoungnews.thrasherswheat.org/2012/10/comment-of-moment-they-just-dont-know.html
Also, listen to Chrome Dreams II for more directions.
namaste our friend
Somehow I knew you would be there. The master is being assembled @ Interface from the truck line cut. And then I simply stumbled onto this site as I was reply to a random Buffalo Springfield posting on "good old FB" - not.
ReplyDelete