A full amphitheater greeted music legend Willie Nelson on Friday, Sept. 1, at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa. Musical acts Deana Carter and Shooter Jennings preceded Nelson”s arrival onstage.
As Carter took to the stage, the late afternoon sun lit the waters of Clear Lake, which formed a natural backdrop for the Konocti Field Amphitheater. Confiding to the audience that she was celebrating 10 years in the music industry, Carter performed several tunes that blended vocals with guitar accompaniment. “And We Danced Anyway,” “How Do I Get There From Here” and “Strawberry Wine” were among Carter”s gifts to her listeners.
Shooter Jennings and the 357s gave an energetic and up-tempo performance that ranged from rock ”n” roll to straight ahead country. The playlist featured tracks from Jennings” new album, “Electric Rodeo,” including “Some Rowdy Women” and “Alligator Chomp.” A high-energy rendition of “If I Get Too Drunk Tonight, Jesus”s Gonna Drive Me Home” had some listeners singing along in sync with the catchy refrain.
The audience grew in numbers as the evening progressed. The seats and bleachers of Konocti were filled with an intriguingly diverse group of listeners: motorcyclists, cowboys and cowgirls and long-haired hippies among them, all testaments to Nelson”s widespread appeal and his far-ranging musical pursuits.
The arrival of a custom motorhome behind the stage of the Konocti Field Amphitheater heralded the arrival of Nelson, who was greeted with enthusiastic cheers.
Nelson was accompanied onstage by several close family and friends, including sister Bobbie at the piano and drummer Paul English, who was celebrating 40 years of performing with Nelson.
The mood ranged from blues to country to honky tonk and everywhere in between as Nelson segued easily between renditions of several well-known songs. “Crazy,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “If You”ve Got the Money, Honey, I”ve Got the Time” were all featured on the evening”s playlist.
The Sept. 1 performance kicked off a Labor Day weekend extravaganza. Listeners were invited to a post-concert party in the lounge featuring SK2, a band with Northern California ties. Festivities continued Saturday, Sept. 2, with a motorcycle rally and poker run that benefited area high schools.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
