Wonder Writer

Willie Nelson sings at Luck's Revival stage Willie's Luck Reunion was a rejuvenating optimistic world- -a delightful time warp of rustic retro fashion with characters that claimed the stage and my heart at the same time. The messages the musicians told between the lyrics were gripping. Seeing musicians like The Wild Reeds perform blasted me with a take-no-crap kind-of ammunition. Boot waltzing into Luck's gravel road led me along the courts of The Texas Gentlemen, Langhorne Slim, Paul Thorn & the McCrary Sisters, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Andrew Combs and many more rings of talent. The Wild Reeds With a variety of acts to see at Luck Reunion, there seemed to be as much diversity intwined as there was a sense of celebrated soul. At Luck, it was less about the flair and more about the lyrics spilling out on stage. The most engaging part about Luck Reunion were these stripped down rawly real performances. Langhorne Slim on the chapel stage was uniquely unscr

Jackie Venson rocks Threadgill's All smiles, Jackie Venson's giddy joy radiated across Threadgill's Friday night. Venson's performance was a delightful power-packed engaging experience with inspired charisma. Her music, with an almost-jazz-meets-blues feel, was laced with a rock-in-roll guitar engine.  And, Venson, clearly,  was charged on her own terms. She said she tries to date, but then the men in her life get jealous. She explained she spends a lot of time with her first love- -her guitar. She smiled widely, looked up, and hugged her instrument even closer to her body. Venson, 27, said she had a love for learning her craft and keeping the way clear for women. Venson joyfully celebrated that things had changed. She said her grandmother, now 93, lived in a different world. Her grandmother, when she was young, had trouble finding a job because of "these things!" Venson laughed and pointed to her breasts and other lady parts. Venson paus