Outlaw Music Festival, since its 2016 debut as a one-off concert, has evolved into a must-attend touring show. This month marks its 2024 iteration’s road show touring through Carolinas starting in Alpharetta on June 21 and continuing on June 26, with three Southeast engagements culminating with Charlotte on July 7 – this first leg ending in Syracuse before making stops along its northeast and Mid-Atlantic runs through to Hersheypark Stadium on July 7. Charlotte’s Outlaw Music Festival visit features headliners Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan Robert Plant Alison Krauss and Celisse plus Southern Avenue and Brittney Spencer opening up!
As the tour travels through each city, each show brings with it a diverse lineup of musicians, while keeping with the core group of Outlaw Music Festival performers. That means country and Americana acts like Jason Isbell, Margo Price, The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Flatland Cavalry, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Billy Strings Kurt Vile & The Violators and Brittney Spencer will make appearances.
Outlaw Music Festival returned this year despite an outbreak of pandemic, boasting a robust roster. Texas residents in particular can look forward to witnessing this iconic lineup with Nelson’s Luck Reunion event set for March and several shows showcasing different stars during April and May.
Bob Weir of Grateful Dead fame led his own band for an intimate acoustic set, dubbed “Bob and the Dead”. Weir’s creativity and leadership were clearly evident as he navigated songs that might otherwise feel too slow or repetitive for an arena-rock setting. Starting off with “Playing in the Band“, Sheldon Brown led an epic jam before smoothly transitioning into “Ramble On Rose” and finally “Mama Tried”, fitting nicely with Outlaw theme of Outlaw theme.
Highlight of the evening came when Weir and his band joined Nelson & Family for an upbeat rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?,” closing out all three acts with an unforgettable celebration of music’s power to unite all. It was an affirmation of gratitude, no matter the current political climate; living in an age with so many talented artists who continue making an impactful statement through art is something worth remembering and appreciating – Greg Garbus