‘Red Headed Stranger’ 50th Anniversary Tribute Concert presented by Garland Cultural Arts
SONGS & STORIES CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WILLIE NELSON'S 'RED HEADED STRANGER'
In May 1975, Willie Nelson released his iconic and career-changing album, Red Headed Stranger. Recorded in Garland, TX, at Autumn Sound Studio (now Audio Dallas), it is regarded as one of the greatest albums in country music and helped ignite the outlaw movement as well as cemented Willie's place in musical history.
Join us on May 16 and 17, 2025, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of 'Red Headed Stranger' in Downtown Garland.
On May 17 at the Granville Arts Center, audiences will experience a one-time-only, unforgettable night of music featuring a slate of Texas artists to recreate songs from the revolutionary concept album featuring Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel), Rhett Miller (Old 97's), Joshua Ray Walker along with Max and Heather Stalling. Artists will take turns playing songs from 'Red Headed Stranger' and share stories about what this important historic album means to them and its significance to country music - as well as to their connection to the City of Garland. The Band of Strangers, led by Joshua Ray Walker's producer, John Pedigo, will provide sparse instrumentation behind these artists to help create the authenticity of this influential record.
Ticket buyers purchasing at the $105 level will receive complimentary passes to the Friday, May 16, movie screening and discussion.
Audiences will also enjoy a special exhibit displaying Willie Nelson memorabilia from the Texas Music Collection of The Wittliff Collections, located at Texas State University and dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and studying the state's musical heritage. Willie's original tour bus, 'Honeysuckle Rose,' will also be on-site for photo opportunities.
Be sure to arrive early in the afternoon to experience North Texas artists performing throughout Downtown Garland for the Fringe Concert Series. Musicians will perform from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fortunate Son, Intrinsic Brewery, and the newly opened Dead Wax Records. Featured artists include Angel White, Nathan "Mongol" Wells, Frankie Leonie, Doug Burr, Jackson Scribner, Levi Scribner, Remy Reilly, David Forsyth, Ottoman Turks and more. More details will follow soon!
Representatives from the Texas Music Office will also attend the event to officially certify Garland, TX, as a "Music Friendly City," a coveted accolade shared by Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and many others.
Songs & Stories Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Willie Nelson's 'Red Headed Stranger' will be a truly significant day of music, celebration, and honoring an amazing work that not only changed country music forever but also for those choosing to follow in its iconic footsteps.
Dallas-based artist Bryan Peterson created original artwork for this event. Peterson works in an illustration style and is the Texas Songwriters' Hall of Fame featured artist.
