Continuing a tradition that began in the 1970s, American country music legend Willie Nelson (83) still celebrates Independence Day with his iconic music picnic.
This annual event is held at the racetrack in Austin, which is currently the only U.S. stop on the global Formula One circuit.
Approximately 10,000 people are expected to attend performances by around 20 artists and bands, including some Texas buskers who have participated since the very first music picnic. Notable performers at this year’s musical celebration include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Johnny Bush, and Billy Joe Shaver, alongside newer stars such as Margo Price and Shakey Graves.
Nelson explained that the idea for this music picnic was inspired by the Woodstock music festival. The first picnic, held in 1973, combined the “hippie” spirit of Woodstock with lively country dancing, drawing a crowd of more than 40,000 people to Dripping Springs, a suburb of Austin.
In its early years, Nelson’s music picnics often attracted more than 80,000 attendees and lasted several days. However, the event has also faced complaints regarding noise, security, and traffic congestion.
Country music legend Willie Nelson has had a career spanning over six decades, earning numerous awards, including the 2015 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, presented by the U.S. Library of Congress.
