Sound Advice: Willie Nelson's Outlaw Spirit is Coming to Cincinnati

Willie Nelson is bringing his Outlaw Music Festival to Cincinnati on Aug. 13. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

This story is featured in CityBeat’s Aug. 9 print edition.

At 90 years old, Willie Nelson is on the road again. Since 2016, Willie and his friends have toured under the banner Outlaw Music Festival, an all-day Americana, rock, blues, country and folk fest with a rotating lineup. It’s become one of North America’s largest touring music festivals. In the past, acts like ZZ Top, Billy Strings, Chris Stapleton, Bob Dylan, Avett Brothers, Margo Price, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Jason Isbell have joined Willie onstage. For Cincinnati’s summer stop, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, ‘90s-era jam band Gov’t Mule, and countrified Canadian singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards will perform alongside Particle Kid (Nelson’s son Micah) and 21-year-old newcomer Myron Elkins.

The fest demonstrates the wide-range of talent and genres that Nelson and his producing partner, Blackbird Presents, is able to draw. Because who wouldn’t want to hang out with the toking musician? (It should be noted he sells his weed and weed products, Willie’s Reserve, at the fest’s Outlaw Village, featuring all kinds of vendors). “Outlaw” has two meanings. In the ‘70s, Nelson and people like Johnny Cash rooted themselves in the outlaw country genre, which bucked the Nashville establishment in turn for more creative freedom. In 1976, Nelson released the compilation album Wanted! The Outlaws, with Waylon Jennings making an appearance.

In 2023, Nelson still imbues that outlaw spirit in fighting for the legalization of marijuana and environmental issues. His tourmates — both up-and-coming and legendary — fit into his ethos. Already this year, he’s released the album I Don’t Know a Thing About Love, and in September he’ll release his 74th (!) solo studio album, Bluegrass, a bluegrass record. Thankfully, Willie has shown no signs of slowing down.

Outlaw Music Festival takes place at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at Riverbend Music Center. Info: riverbend.org.

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