Luck Reunion at Willie Nelson's Luck Texas Ranch in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
The day unfolded with a full festival experience at Willie Nelson's picturesque Hill Country ranch. Over 40 acts graced the stages, while renowned chefs offered culinary delights, and local artisans showcased their work. Luck Reunion truly lived up to its reputation, offering a unique blend of American roots music and a one-of-a-kind festival atmosphere.
The World Headquarters Main Stage kicked off with a lineup including Tami Nelson, Lou Hazel, Daniel Donato's Classic Country, Durand Jones, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Tyler Childers. The night culminated with a legendary performance by Willie Nelson and Family. Kermit the Frog surprised everyone with a duet alongside Willie Nelson during his headlining set! Together, they delivered a heartwarming "Rainbow Connection" and a moving gospel medley.
Over at The Barn Stage, complete with draft walls and regional craft beers, the music flowed all day. From Southwest Artist on The Rise Jobi Riccio to established acts like Dawes & Lucius and Red Clay Strays, the stage offered a vibrant mix of genres. The Chapel Stage provided a more intimate setting for artists like Rainbow Girls, Particle Kid, and Evangeline. Even Lukas Nelson surprised fans with a set featuring Tyler Childers and Lucius, drawing a crowd outside the chapel windows eager for a glimpse.
The Revival Tent, Folk Uke, and the newly added Fort Worth Stage offered additional stages for fans to explore, showcasing a diverse range of talent from established names like Toadies to up-and-coming artists like Matt Tedder and Summer Dean. The Saloon Stage, sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka, kept the party going with sets from Jason Scott & The High Heat, Theo Lawrence, and Dylan LeBlanc.
Southwest Airlines celebrated their "On The Rise To Luck" program's fifth anniversary, highlighting rising stars like Lou Hazel and Jobi Riccio. This year, Luck Reunion partnered with 1 Million Strong to create a welcoming environment for everyone, especially those in recovery. This initiative fostered a supportive community and offered delicious mocktail options, making the festival a truly inclusive experience.
Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Hailing from Kentucky's Lawrence County, singer-songwriter Tyler Childers weaves a tapestry of country, bluegrass, and folk in his music. Raised on the sounds of church choirs and picking up the guitar at 13, Childers' lyrics paint a vivid picture of working-class life in Appalachia. His breakout album, "Purgatory," arrived in 2017, and since then he's released a total of six studio albums. While his music has garnered a Grammy nomination, Childers' journey wasn't always on the stage. Before achieving musical success, he balanced odd jobs with a brief stint in college.
Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)From Appalachian roots to stadium stages, Old Crow Medicine Show are Americana revivalists with a twist. Formed in 1998, this Nashville string band blends folk, blues, and bluegrass with a punk rock energy. They breathe new life into pre-war string band traditions while crafting their own foot-stomping originals. Their infectious live shows, filled with virtuosic playing and raucous hollers, have garnered them a Grammy Award and a place in the prestigious Grand Ole Opry.
Zella Day
Zella Day performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Raised in the artistic environment of her parents' Arizona cafe and art space, Zella Day was surrounded by music from a young age. Picking up the guitar at nine, she began crafting songs influenced by both the classic singer-songwriters her parents loved and the rugged beauty of the desert landscape around her. This unique upbringing fueled her rise to indie success. After a self-released debut album in her teens, Day landed a major label deal and released "Kicker" in 2015. The album, featuring hits like "Hypnotic" and "East of Eden," established her as a rising star known for her blend of baroque pop, folk, and indie rock. She's graced the stages of major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, all while captivating audiences with her captivating blend of genres.
Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Daniel Donato is a gifted American musician renowned for his exceptional guitar skills and captivating songwriting. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Donato's musical journey began at a young age, and he quickly garnered attention for his remarkable talent. With a fusion of traditional country roots and contemporary influences, Donato's music transcends genres, captivating audiences with its authenticity and energy. Through his dynamic performances and relentless dedication to his craft, Daniel Donato has emerged as a prominent figure in the country music scene, poised to leave a lasting impact on listeners worldwide.
Ogi
Ogi performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Hailing from the outskirts of Chicago and raised in Wisconsin, Ogi is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist now based in Los Angeles. Initially with aspirations of pursuing a legal career, Ogi made a bold decision to follow her musical passion after receiving recognition from Gremmy® Award-winning producer No I.D., who stumbled upon one of her covers on social media. Ogi's music resonates with raw authenticity, effortlessly blending smooth vocals with heartfelt lyricism. Her debut EP, "Monologues," has amassed over 8.8 million global streams to date, while her live performances have seen her share the stage with notable acts like Snoh Alegra, Mahalia, and Paramore throughout the year.
Proxima Parada
Proxima Parada performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Proxima Parada is an indie soul band originating from San Luis Obispo, California. Their music effortlessly blends elements of soul, folk, and indie rock, creating a unique and captivating sound. The band's name, which means "next stop" in Spanish, reflects their journey-driven approach to music-making, always exploring new sonic territories and emotional landscapes. Led by charismatic frontman Nick Larson, Proxima Parada's soulful vocals and intricate instrumentation have garnered them a devoted following. With a string of well-received albums and EPs under their belt, including "Big Seven" and "Autodidact," Proxima Parada continues to enchant audiences with their heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. Whether performing on stage or recording in the studio, the band's passion for storytelling and musical innovation shines through, making them a standout presence in the indie music scene.
Madi Diaz
Madi Diaz performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Madi Diaz is an American singer-songwriter hailing from Pennsylvania. With her roots in folk and indie rock, Diaz's music seamlessly merges poignant lyricism with infectious melodies. Her captivating voice and introspective songwriting have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Diaz's journey in the music industry has seen her collaborate with renowned artists and producers, including Greg Kurstin and John Alagia. Throughout her career, she has released several albums and EPs, such as "Phantom," "Plastic Moon," and "Far From Things That We Know," each showcasing her evolution as a versatile and dynamic artist. Whether performing on stage or crafting emotive compositions in the studio, Madi Diaz continues to captivate listeners with her sincerity and musical prowess.
Lou Hazel
Lou Hazel performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Lou Hazel (Chris Frisina) was born in the rustic town of Olean, New York to a family of northeastern wiseacres and intelligent hillbillies who remain hell bent on living full, rich lives despite brutal winters in a persistent economic downturn. Runt of the litter, according to his only sister.
Matt Tedder
Matt Tedder performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Though a Parker County native, Matt Tedder has long called Fort Worth home. Of course, home is rarely where any musician lays his head and Matt has been fortunate at 28 to have experiences over the last fourteen years from street corners to main stages at international festivals.
Mali Velasquez
Mali Velasquez performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)When Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mali Velasquez traded her Texas panhandle home for the verdant foothills of Tennessee, she did so with a newfound perspective that mirrored her environment, culminating in the lushly raw edge of her folk-rooted indie rock. Wistfully openhearted and incisive, Velasquez tips the fulcrum between reflection and remedy with melody-forward unction and lyrical tenderness. Her forthcoming debut, I’m Green, is a perennial introspection into the wild animal of young adulthood and the renewing realization that the person we’re most often seeking permission from, crucially, is ourselves.
Rett Madison
Rett Madison performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Originally from West Virginia, Rett Madison is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, CA. She has been featured in publications like Billboard, American Songwriter, and Rolling Stone, where her music was described as “simultaneously brazen and vulnerable,” giving her a place “in the new school of acclaim-worthy troubadours.” She has sung backing vocals for artists such as Lorde and Kate Nash and served as opener for artists such as Elle King, Five for Fighting, Shawn Colvin, JP Saxe, Theo Katzman, Augustana, Scary Pockets, and more.
Theo Lawrence
Theo Lawrence performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Theo Lawrence is a French-Canadian musician, songwriter, and singer who has been described as a leading purveyor of the American groove. His music is influenced by 1950s rock 'n roll, blues, soul, and the pop of the 1960s. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, and at 54 Below.
Tami Neilson
Tami Neilson performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Tami Neilson is a Canadian-born, New Zealand-based singer-songwriter known for her powerhouse vocals and eclectic blend of country, soul, and rockabilly music. Born into a musical family, Neilson began performing at a young age and quickly developed her own distinctive style. With a voice that ranges from sultry to soaring, Neilson has captivated audiences around the world with her dynamic live performances and emotionally charged songwriting. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Dynamite!" and "Don't Be Afraid," which showcase her versatility as an artist and her ability to infuse classic genres with a modern edge. With numerous awards and accolades to her name, Tami Neilson continues to be celebrated as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary roots music.
Jobi Riccio
Jobi Riccio performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Born and raised in Morrison, Colorado - a tourist town in the foothills outside of Denver that’s home to Red Rocks Amphitheater - Jobi Riccio grew up surrounded by music and found inspiration in artists ranging from Sheryl Crow to Joni Mitchell. Sonically, Jobi’s music exists between worlds, melding the classic craftsmanship of her songwriting with modern indie-leaning production to forge a lush, expansive sound that feels traditional and experimental all at once. She has received acclaim for her songwriting, including winning the 2019 NewSong Music Competition, performing at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, receiving the 2019 Lee Villiare Scholarship from her alma mater Berklee College of Music, and being named a finalist in the 2018 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriters Showcase. In 2023 Jobi was awarded the Newport Folk Festival John Prine Fellowship.
Jason Scott & The High Heat
Jason Scott & The High Heat performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Jason Scott & The High Heat is a dynamic musical ensemble led by frontman Jason Scott, renowned for their electrifying performances and unique blend of blues, rock, and soul. Hailing from [insert location], the band infuses classic influences with contemporary flair, creating a sound that resonates with audiences of all ages. With Scott's soulful vocals at the helm and The High Heat's tight instrumentation, their live shows are a captivating experience, leaving crowds energized and wanting more. The band has garnered attention for their raw authenticity and heartfelt songwriting, earning them a dedicated following in the music scene. Jason Scott & The High Heat continue to make waves with their impassioned performances and infectious grooves, solidifying their status as rising stars in the world of roots music.
Folk Uke
Folk Uke performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Folk Uke is a captivating musical duo consisting of Amy Nelson and Cathy Guthrie, daughters of legendary musicians Willie Nelson and Arlo Guthrie, respectively. With their signature blend of folk, country, and humor, Folk Uke delivers witty and poignant songs that resonate with audiences worldwide. Their rich harmonies and clever lyrics explore themes ranging from love and heartbreak to social commentary, all delivered with a refreshing dose of irreverence. Known for their engaging live performances and infectious charm, Folk Uke continues to enchant listeners with their unique brand of Americana music. With several albums to their name, including their self-titled debut and "Starf**ker," Folk Uke remains a beloved fixture in the folk music community, captivating fans with their timeless songs and undeniable talent.
Rainbow Girls
Rainbow Girls performing at Luck Reunion in Spicewood, Texas on March 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Rainbow Girls are a musical group known for their captivating blend of genres, including folk, Americana, gypsy influences, and even touches of funk, soul, and rock n' roll. Their music is characterized by soaring harmonies and a dynamic instrumental interplay between band members who effortlessly switch instruments.
Luck Presents
Celebrating a decade in Willie Nelson's "Luck, TX" home, Luck Presents is a cultural collective that goes beyond music festivals. Their core event, the annual Luck Reunion, brings together established and rising stars in music, cuisine, and artistry. But Luck Presents isn't just about celebrating the past. They also create events and content throughout the year, highlighting talented musicians, chefs, and creatives nationwide, fostering a vibrant community around American roots culture.
Luck Reunion
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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