CONCERT: Willie Nelson @ The Grand Ballroom NYC 5/6/10

This was my first time @ The Grand Ballroom in NYC. Located on West 34th street it shares the same address as the Hammerstein ballroom. The ballroom I assume can be setup for various events and this concert was setup for approximately 1200 people or so. It was a great small theater atmosphere. My gf and I had 6th row seats and Willie's son Lucas Nelson opened. He is a very talented guitarist but I could not find a specific sound to grasp onto. He was all over the place with Folk, Rock and Blues but I rather enjoyed the set which lasted about 45 mins.

Willie's band that night were set-up as a traditional country style band utilizing several traditional country music musicians to support the new album titled 'Country Music". The band sporting a fiddle, a banjo, a steel guitar, mandolin and of course Mikey Raphael's harmonica. Willie then came out to applause with his classic opener "Whiskey River" and begin what was a very versatile set. He played old songs, new songs, classics and plenty of songs that were in tribute to his favorite artists.

This show was being recorded live for Willie's Sirius satellite radio station "Willie's place" which added to the crowds excitement. A Woman there was holding up a sign in which willie read over the mic saying that was conceived at a Willie concert 30 years ago. Willie in response said "y'all have fun out there" The concert was great fun and Willie played a great set which spanned over 2 hours long. Next willie concert for my girfriend and I is the 4th of July picnic in Austin TX.

Hope to see you there!