LUCK REUNION 2023 Recap

March 20, 2023

The sun was out all day as the crowds poured into the picturesque Hill Country setting for an event featuring more than 35 acts, culinary experiences with renowned chefs from across the nation, local artisans and one of a kind merchandise. Luck Reunion proved yet again to be an iconic opportunity for fans to experience live music across the spectrum of American roots from the backyard of the Red Headed Stranger himself. 

The Music 

The World Headquarters Main Stage kicked off with Southwest Artist on the Rise crooner Angel White followed by longtime Luck Reunion artist Devon Gilfillian played new music off of his upcoming sophomore album Love You Anyway who had the crowd dancing in their many, many boots. As the sun started to set behind the stage a soulful tribute to the late Leon Russell kicked off with artists Beau Bedford, Robert Ellis, The War & Treaty, Margo Price, Devon Gilfillian, Charlie Sexton, Marc Benno, Zella Day, Jesse Woods, Sierra Ferrell, Taylor Hanson, Margo Price, Kelsey Wilson, and War & Treaty. Margo Price returned to the Luck stage for a solo set and Austin’s own Spoon made their luck debut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Chapel Stage, which was open to just 40 audience members at a time, showcased exceptional performances throughout the day. Fans emerged from Brooklyn’s own Pearla claiming they’d just had a religious experience. Former Southwest Artist on The Rise winner Katie Pruitt’s vocals busted through the stained glass windows delighting fans who surrounded the structure. After joining Willie Nelson himself on the Reunion stage last year, Tami Neilson graced the Chapel with a special performance with her brother, Jay Neilson. Eric D. Johnson of Fruit Bats charmed the crowd with fan-favorite When U Love Somebody. To close out the evening in the Chapel, Dallas Burrow and his bandmates played a lively, fiddle-filled set and Americana legend Willis Alan Ramsey performed Northeast Texas Women.

Fans flocked to the The Revival Tent to let loose, stomping the dirt to a set from The Black Opry Review as well as Sir Woman & Wild Child who took the crowd to church, Night Cap, and Jimmy Dale Gilmore & The West Texas Exiles closed out the stage as fans danced and sang along.

Complete with draft walls and more than seven regional craft beer brands activating inside alongside longtime sponsor Lagunitas, The Barn Stage had beer flowing and music bumping all day long from this years Southwest Artist on the Rise to Luck winners Arcy Drive as well as Thee Sacred Souls, Bob Schneider, Peter One and more. The War And Treaty had the crowd screaming so loud they had to pause during the second song to allow them to collect themselves (they did not!).

Brand Activations 

Over 25 Texan and national brands activated throughout the day. Tecovas had massive crowds lining up for six rounds of Chicken Shit bingo. Jack Daniels set up in the backstage lounge and brought a tintype camera to capture artist portraits. Southwest Airlines partnered with Rethreaded to sell leather goods made from retired airline seats proceeds go directly to support survivors of human trafficking. 

Food and Beverage 

Food was in abundance with Austin Oysters and Ronin sidled up in the VIP section slinging food all day including Vietcajun crawfish. Tate farms and Goode and Co held it down with amazing food all day in the Artist lounge – serving food for over 400 musicians, talent and family. Local favorites trucked in from all over Texas to feed the masses in the food truck court,  District Kitchen + Cocktails, East Side King, Four Brothers, G’raj Mahal, Garbo’s Lobster, Mission Dogs Salt & Time and Taco Wasted were all present.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka took over the Saloon Stage and kept fans imbibed as the consistently packed room took in sets from instrumentalists Hermanos Guitierez, crooner Bella White, Matthew Logan Vasquez (Delta Spirit), London’s The Golden Dregs, and more.

Willie Nelson 

The night concluded with a performance by the one and only Willie Nelson himself, who capped off a beautiful day at his Texas ranch. Ray Benson and Lukas Nelson joined Willie for the set playing Nelson’s hits Die When I’m High, Still is Still Moving to Me, Roll Me Up, Whiskey River, You Were Always on My Mind, Shotgun Willie (which Margo Price covered earlier to close out her set), I’ll Fly Away, Hard to be Humble and more. In a sweet and unexpected moment, Willie brought his tour manager’s young daughter on stage for a rendition of happy birthday. Joining Nelson on stage for the final gospel medley were Margo Price, Nicky Diamonds, Tami Neilson, and Grace Bowers.

See y’all next year!

Featured Image By Brooks Burris