The Outlaw Music Festival, established in 2016, is “on the road again”, with an eclectic and talented lineup. Led by Willie Nelson, his family, and friends, the tour stopped in Mansfield, Massachusetts just outside of Boston this past Saturday, September 16th. Bob Weir and Wolf Bros., The String Cheese Incident, Los Lobos, and newcomer Waylon Payne rounded out the bill on a gorgeous summer day. Over an almost seven-hour stretch of performances, the Fest delivered a mix of honkytonk, folk, bluegrass, and rock and roll to a weekend-ready flock of music fans.
Getting things started, Waylon Payne kicked off the festival, alone on stage with just his acoustic guitar, microphone, and trucker cap. In between “Desperados”, “Ring of Fire”, “Sins of the Father” and a couple of others, he bonded with the audience, sharing intimate details on his recovery from substance abuse and his admiration for his father and his time working with Willie Nelson. Payne was a natural and welcomed new addition to the Festival Family. He would later be seen on stage, sitting and strumming contently next to Willie throughout his set.
Los Lobos, the East Los Angeles quintet that is celebrating 50 years in the business, followed Payne with a set that showcased its Tex-Mex, Country, and Zydeco (and more) infused rock and roll. Highlights from their set included, “Dream in Blue”, “Chuco’s Cumbia” and” Is This All There Is?” Los Lobos was all businesses they tore through their all-too-short set. However, they made the most of their time kicking out the jams for all to sing and dance to.
As the sun started to set, the String Cheese Incident brought out their polished and jam-heavy set. With trippy lighting, the band showcased some of their finest pieces including, “Lend Me a Hand” from their most recent release by the same name. Their fans were vibing with their mellow grooves as they rolled through “Can’t-Wait”, “One More Time”, “Valley” and “Colorado Bluebird Sky”.
Bob Weir and Wolf Bros. featuring the Wolfpack towed most of the line with the longest set of the night – 90 minutes of classic Grateful Dead and Weir’s solo efforts. Though the hair on Weir’s head and his beard are all white now, his voice was youthful and well-oiled throughout his and his band’s set. Naturally, the Deadheads in the crowd were there to savor any live Dead that they could get their hands on and they were not disappointed. Opening with a rollicking “Bucket”, it naturally drew a glorious round of cheers. But it was the epic medley of “Playing in the Band” and “Dark Star” jam that was truly astonishing. Weir and Co. ended their time on stage with “One More Saturday Night”, which of course went over well, and coinciding with it actually being Saturday, it was not only fitting but electric.
At 90 years old, Willie Nelson continues to amaze as he continues to record multiple albums a year and embark on what seems like a never-ending tour around the world. Though appearing a bit less energetic this year, Nelson’s voice was pleasantly full of life as he and his five-piece band ripped through 20 songs that included set staples “Whiskey River”, “Stay All Night”, “Still Is Still Moving to Me”, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Baby Grow Up to be Cowboys”, “On the Road Again”, “Always on My Mind”, “Good Hearted Woman” and “Georgia” all of which found his fans happily singing along to every word. “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me” drew cheers and more collaboration between the legendary artist and the audience. Nelson and Co.’s stop in Mansfield was most appreciated by his longtime legion of followers.
In the end, Hurricane Lee and the State of Emergency that was placed earlier in the day threatened the event proved to be a dud. It was a blessing that Mother Nature spared the festival and served up a delightful summer day. And, overall, it was a wonderful event, led by a living legend who almost doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Nelson is a troubadour who truly personifies his own lyrics, “The life I love is making music with my friends.” Nelson’s fans loved it too and one can only hope that the OMF rolls into town again next year with more amazing talent, all led by ol’ Willie. Even though the festival’s ten-year anniversary is coming around the corner – let’s just keep our fingers crossed for another celebration next year.
