Willie Nelson Surprises SXSW Attendees at Spotify House [Watch]
Willie Nelson calls Austin, Texas home, but his appearance at the popup Spotify House venue at SXSW 2016 on Sunday night (March 13) was unplanned — and a huge surprise for the crowd.
Nelson stopped by the East Austin venue Sunday night to perform a full set from his impressive catalogue of classic country hits alongside his band. The show came just one day after his annual performance during the opening night concert at Rodeo Austin.
Now with two shows down, the 82-year-old country star still has one more performance to go. His biggest event of the week will be this Friday — at his very own house party.
Nelson will open his home Luck Ranch in Spicewood to gather some very talented musicians, including Jack Ingram, for the Luck Reunion. This year's show marks its 30th anniversary and hopes to "cultivate and celebrate the evolution of our American roots," according to the event's website. The show will benefit community non-profit partners Wholesome Wave, Reverb, HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) and SIMS Foundation.
Nelson isn't the only country star passing through the Spotify House during this year's festival. Fellow Texas natives Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris — as well as country newcomers Lanco — will all be playing at the same spot on Wednesday (March 16) afternoon.
Nelson recently released a Gershwin tribute album, Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin. The project features covers, such as the popular song "Summertime," and includes duets with fellow stars Sheryl Crow and Cyndi Lauper.
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