As fans at the off-site parking lot board a shuttle that will take them to their final destination — Willie Nelson’s coveted Luck Reunion — Noah Kahan’s “All My Love” plays from the bus’ speakers, setting a rallying and welcoming tone for the long day ahead.
Celebrating its 12th year, the Luck Reunion offers a well-crafted lineup of known names and emerging talent, which this year includes the expected headliner of Willie Nelson and Family as well as Tyler Childers, Dawes with Lucius, the Red Clay Strays, Durand Jones and more. As for rising stars, Dylan LeBlanc, Madi Diaz, Ogi and more rounded out the lineup of over 40 acts.
Held at Luck Ranch, the expansive plot of land included all a festivalgoer could want or need: free beer; a well-selected variety of food vendors from Hattie B’s Hot Chicken to local BBQ, lobster rolls and more; vendors selling everything from vintage cowboy boots to custom western hats; plus an on-site Willie’s Reserve shop offering CBD and hemp products and more.
Earlier in the day, the legend and host himself announced his upcoming album The Border, out May 31 — just over a month after the singer-songwriter will turn 91. (On the Ranch, there was only one advertisement for the album, a poster of the album art near the entrance with a QR code to scan for more information.)
To coincide with the news, Nelson released the project’s lead single and title track, his take on Rodney Crowell’s “The Border,” co-written by Crowell and Allen Shamblin for the former’s 2019 album Texas.
Below, read on for five lessons learned after entering the sacred space of Luck Ranch.
