Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90
Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, California
April 29-30, 2023
Seeing a concert at Hollywood Bowl has been on my bucket list for a long time and this star-studded, two night event celebrating the legendary #WillieNelson's 90th birthday was the perfect occasion. The #HollywoodBowl is the world's largest outdoor amphitheater (17,500 seats), an oasis set in the Hollywood Hills with a famous clam shell stage and Hollywood sign in the background. The setting is truly magical, the sound was excellent, and somehow the whole experience managed to feel intimate.
Recommended by LinkedIn
An extraordinary roster of musicians came to celebrate Willie, many of whom could easily sell out the Bowl on their own. Billy Strings opened the show the way Willie has for decades with 'Whiskey River', and other highlights from night one were Sturgill Simpson singing 'I'd Have to Be Crazy', and Nathaniel Ratefliff performing 'City of New Orleans'. The most touching moment of the night was Kris Kristofferson joining Roseann Cash for 'Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)' and Willie joined George Strait to literally 'Sing One With Willie'. One of the biggest ovations of the night was reserved for Snoop Dogg who sang 'Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die', and it seemed perfect that both Snoop and Willie forgot some of the words.
Night two highlights included Norah Jones singing 'Seven Spanish Angels', and Dave Matthews playing a uniquely Dave version of 'Funny How Time Slips Away'. Jamey Johnson and Warren Haynes' (Allman Brothers) brought down the house with their version of 'Georgia on My Mind', and the surprise guest of the evening Keith Richards joined Willie and appropriately performed 'Live Forever'.
As if all the musical icons weren't enough, guest emcee's included Dame Helen Mirren, Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Garner and Ethan Hawke, among others. In true Hollywood form, the cameras were rolling the entire time and you can be sure the event is 'coming soon' to a streaming platform near you. Check it out and maybe you'll hear me singing happy birthday to #Willie with my famous L.A. friends.
Managing Partner & CTO | Innovating 360° Feedback & Leadership Development | 30+ Years Driving Assessment Solutions at TruScore
1yThat's awesome! Maybe we'll see you in Boulder this summer.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction at New Trier High School District
1yOh, what a celebration of Willie that must have been! This summer: Dead & Co at Folsom Field and Wrigley Field for their “farewell” tour.
An evangelist for transformative learning experiences that unleash potential, broaden horizons, and reshape our world.
1yLucky you! Of all the LinkedIn posts -- maybe that I've ever read - this one brings pure joy. We have so much to talk about Tim on the music front. Returning to CO after years away in CA and Switzerland. Looking forward to reconnecting - maybe at a DK event :)
GTM Technology Exec, CRO, Advisor, Coach.
1ySooo fun!!!
President & CEO @ Project Lead The Way | Educational Leadership
1ySounds like a great experience. While I'm not sure what live music we will see this summer, I have a great memory of seeing Tito Puente at the Hollywood Bowl many years ago. Love that venue!