Commentary by Jason Peek
I knew with the great acoustics at the Palladium it was going to be a great night when “Ladies and gentlemen, Willie Nelson” was spoken with such clarity that I knew the ensuing concert (on Sept. 15) would be awesome, and it was.
Even in his 80s, the man still can play guitar like no other, and I loved that he played a lot of his songs he wrote for other people and jammed out three Hank Williams songs: “Jambalaya,” “Hey Good Lookin’”and “Move it on Over.”
I must admit, you walk into the Palladium and its beauty can overwhelm you a bit so you wouldn’t think a honky-tonk man would be seen in such a nice venue. Still, it was a wonderful treat to sit in such close proximity with friends, customers and neighbors to enjoy a show with such a classic icon without drunks screaming and yelling at the top of their lungs –that is, except for me; I couldn’t help but yell out a “hell, yeah” after one of his guitar solos, so I apologize to the couple in front of me.
I found the staff to be very kind and professional with all guests and attendant to people’s needs; it’s not like that other venues, where you are shoved along so not to bother anyone.
Once again the venue and artist of all artists came together to make a great night in Carmel, where we just continue to grow into a destination city where you can do it all.
Next year I’m getting on that bus with Willie!
