Luck Reunion Wraps Another Music-Packed Year

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Willie Nelson

Luck Reunion returned to Willie Nelson’s famed “Luck, Texas” on March 13 for a full day of music featuring more than 40 acts, culinary experiences with renowned chefs from across the nation, local artisans and more.

Margo Price. Photo: Justin Cook

The World Headquarters Main Stage kicked off with Southwest Artist on the Rise winner Marlon Funaki before launching into music from BRISCOE, “Chaparelle and Friends: A Tribute to Kris Kristofferson,” Shane Smith and the Saints, Waxahatchee and ended the night with Willie Nelson and Family. Arcade Fire, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Margo Price, Steve Earle and more joined Nelson on stage for a gospel medley of classics.

The Barn Stage had music bumping all day long from Wonder Women of Country, Ken Pomeroy, Lily Meola, Julien Baker and Torres. The stage also hosted two surprise guests: Jessica Simpson graced Luck with her first full set since 2008, treating fans to tunes from her forthcoming EP Nashville Canyon, while Lucinda Williams closed out the night.

The Saloon Stage kept fans dancing as the packed room took in sets from Arsun, Tommy Newport, Aly and AJ, Micah Nelson with Lafemmebear, Kim Richey and Jessye DeSilva. An unannounced appearance from Arcade Fire & Friends thrilled the audience as well.

Charley Crockett. Photo: Marshall Tidrick

The newly-restored Chapel Stage showcased intimate performances throughout the day, including sets from Lefty Parker, Lizzy No, Jessie Wells and Lukas Nelson. Luck Reunion x Western AF presented: The Last Lost Weekend (Kristina Murray, John R. Miller, Jamie Wyatt, She Returns From War), and Steve Earle & Friends featuring Emily Nenni, Tommy Prine and Parker Twomey.

Fans also flocked to the Revival Tent for Deslondes, BMI Acts in the Round (Valley James, JD Clayton, Coleman Jennings), Willi Carlisle, Infinity Song, Grace Bowers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Taj Mahal. Visit Ft. Worth also presented sets from Matthew McNeal, Claire Hinkle, Squeezebox Bandits and Angel White while the newly-minted Jack Daniels Stage featured Grace Rowland, The Bros Fresh, Jonathan Terrell and Caroline Hale.

New to the festival this year was a lineup of panels on The Luck Family Foundation Community Conversations Stage. Luck Presents launched their philanthropic arm in 2015, the Luck Family Foundation, to support core community resources: the environment, food systems, farmers, artists and musicians in line with Nelson’s human-first principles.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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