Gipsy Kings at ACL Live

The Grammy Award-winning Flamenco fusion group The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonnino Baliardo took to the stage of Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on June 20, 2017.

The Gipsy Kings

The band was formed in the 1970's in Arles, France by brothers Nicolas and Andre Reyes and their cousins Jacques, Maurice, and Tonnino Baliardo. The Reyes brothers are the sons of flamenco artist Jose Reyes.

Nicolas Reyes and Tonnino Baliardo

Nicolas Reyes

Tonnino Baliardo

The Gipsy Kings

The Gipsy Kings features original members Nicolas Reyes and Tonnino Baliardo. While many of the original members are no longer touring with the band and younger family members have taken their places, the band still continues to produce the same high energy music as before.

Mickael Baliardo

Georges Reyes

Mickael Baliardo

The Gipsy Kings

In 1993, The Gipsy Kings won a Latin Grammy for Best Pop Album Of The Year. After several nominations in previous years, in 2013, the Gipsy Kings earned a Grammy Award for The Best World Music Album

Nicolas Reyes

Tonnino Baliardo

The Gipsy Kings

The Gipsy Kings

The Gipsy Kings

The Gipsy Kings

Nicolas Reyes

Tonnino Baliardo

Nicolas Reyes and The Gipsy Kings

Classic Rock Hits Austin360 Amphitheater

As the heat index soared into the low 100's, fans flocked into the Austin360 Amphitheater at the Circuit of the Americas track on June 17, 2017, for an evening of some good ol' rock and roll, when longtime fan favorites Chicago and The Doobie Brothers hit the stage to entertain the crowd.

Chicago

Chicago 

Chicago is known as a "rock and roll band with horns." They were formed in 1967 in Chicago as a cover band under the name "The Big Thing." After beginning to write their own songs, the group changed their name to "Chicago Transit Authority," eventually shortening it to simply "Chicago." They are considered one of the longest-running and most successful rock groups in history. Chicago is one of the world's best-selling groups of all time, having sold over 100 million records including 23 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums. They have produced 5 number one albums and 21 top-ten singles. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 and original members Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm, and James Pankow were inducted into the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Chicago

James Pankow and Ray Herrmann 

Robert Lamm, James Pankow, Ray Herrmann, and Wafredo Reyes Jr

While the line-up for the band has changed several times over their 50 years of performing, three of the original members are still going stronger than ever: keyboardist/vocalist Robert Lamm, trumpeter/vocalist Lee Loughnane, and trombonist James Pankow. Rounding out the group are Ray Herrmann on woodwinds, Jeff Coffey on bass/vocals, Tris Imboden on drums, Keith Howland on guitar/vocals, Lou Pardini on keyboards/vocals, and Walfredo Reyes Jr on percussion.

Chicago

Tris Imboden

Jeff Coffey

James Pankow, Ray Herrmann, Robert Lamm, and Lee Loughane

James Pankow

Ray Herrmann

Chicago

Setlist:

Set 1:
Introduction
Questions 67 & 68
Dialogue (Part I & II)
Alive Again
Wake Up Sunshine
Call On Me
(I've Been) Searching So Long/ Mongonucleosis
If You Leave Me Now
Another Rainy Day In New York City
Look Away

Ballet For A Girl From Buchannon
Make Me Smile
So Much To Sat, So Much To Give
Anxiety's Moment
West Virginia Fantasies
Colour My World
To Be Free
Now More Than Ever

Set 2:
Old Days
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Hard Habit To Break
You're The Inspiration
Beginnings
I'm A Man (The Spencer Davis Group cover)
Street Player
Just You 'n' Me
Hard To Say I'm Sorry/ Get Away
Saturday In The Park
Feelin' Stronger Every Day

Encore:
Free
25 or 6 to 4

Chicago

Chicago

Chicago

Chicago

The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers are another long-running band which has its roots in the late 1960's. The group began forming  in 1969 in Northern California when drummer John Hartman was introduced to guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston. They formed a group they called Pud. In 1970, they were joined by bassist Dave Shogren and guitarist/vocalist Pat Simmons, forming The Doobie Brothers.  They released their first self-titled album in 1971, and the rest is history.

The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers have sold more than 40 million albums world wide and were inducted into the vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. They have earned two Grammy Awards, been honored with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, and have produced 13 gold and 11 multi-platinum albums.

John Cowan, Ed Toth and  Parick Smmons

Members of The Doobie Brothers include founding members guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston and guitarist Pat Simmons, and longtime guitarist/vocalist John McFee and keyboardist Bill Payne. Rounding out the band is saxophonist Marc Russo, drummer Ed Toth, and bassist John Cowan.

Tom Johnston

Patrick Simmons and Marc Russo

John McFee

Tom Johnston and Bill Payne

John Cowan

Marc Russo, Ton Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Bill Payne

Marc Russo and Tom Johnston

John McFee

Setlist:

Jesus Is Just Alright (The Art Reynolds Singers cover)
Rockin' Down The Highway
Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While) (Kin Weston cover)
Dark Eyed Cajun Woman
Spirit
Sweet Maxine
Eyes of Silver
Clear As The Driven Snow
Bill Payne keyboard solo
Takin' It To The Streets
The Doctor
Black Water
Long Train Runnin'
China Grove

Encore:
Without You
Listen To The Music

Patrick Simmons, Marc Russo, and Tom Johnston

Robison, Willis, Benson, and Watson: You Can't Get More Austin Than That

Homegrown Austin radio station Sun Radio presented local favorites Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, along with more Austin favorites, Ray Benson and Dale Watson on June 16, 2017 at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater.


Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis

Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis might be Americana Music's coolest couple, and they're actually married.  Both had already established themselves as successful country acts before they met in 1992 and continued to perform separately after their marriage in 1996. Now, after four kids and three duet albums including one of Christmas music, Bruce and Kelly are touring the country as a team.

Bruce Robison

Music runs deep in the Robison family. Bruce Robison grew up in Bandera, Texas with his sister Robyn Ludwick and brother Charlie Robison, both of whom are also accomplished singer-songwriters. Bruce released his self-titled debut album in 1995 and has released 10 other albums including three with his wife Kelly Willis. Bruce has written several songs which have become hits for other artists including "Travelin' Soldier"- Dixie Chicks, "Angry All The Time"- Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and "Wrapped" - George Strait.

   

Kelly Willis

Kelly Willis was born in Oklahoma, but traveled the country growing up as a military kid. Kelly joined a rockabilly band at 16 and moved with them to Austin after her high school graduation. With the help of local musician Nanci Griffith, Kelly was signed to the MCA  label in 1989.  After her marriage to Bruce in 1996 and the birth of their four children, Kelly limited her traveling for a few years, but now she and Bruce are making more music than ever.  Kelly has also released 11 albums over her career including the three with Bruce.

This was Bruce and Kelly's first show after a forced break in which Bruce was hospitalized with pneumonia following a nasty bout of the flu. Bruce seemed to be as good as new as the couple performed numbers from their duet albums as well as selections from their solo endeavors.

Dale Watson and Ray Benson


Opening the evening was a relatively new duo on the country scene who I will happily name the Kings of Texas Honky-Tonks, Dale Watson and Ray Benson.  This duo had traveled in different circle until recently when they recorded and released their duet album entitled "Dale and Ray" in January of this year.  The album pays homage to some of the greats of country music including Dale and Ray's heroes, the legendary Willie Nelson and the incomparable Merle Haggard.

Dale Watson

Born in Birmingham, AL, this classic country troubadour grew up outside of Pasadena, Texas. He began writing songs when he was 12 and made his first recording at 14. After playing clubs in Houston, LA and Nashville, Watson made Austin his home. Over his career, Dale Watson has released 32 albums including his latest duets album with Ray Benson.

Ray Benson

Widely known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of Asleep At The Wheel, Ray Benson is the King of Western Swing. Although he grew up in Philadelphia, he took the advice of another country music entertainer, Willie Nelson, and moved to Austin in 1973. Since then, the band has released more than 20 albums and earned 9 Grammy Awards. Benson has a been a big part of the music scene in Austin, producing many local acts, as well as helping to support charitable organizations benefiting local musicians. Benson is the host of Texas Music Scene TV show. Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel is the only act that has participated in all 15 years of the Austin City Limits Music Festival and are scheduled to make their appearance for the 16th time first fall.

Although Dale and Ray have not been partnering for very long, it was not evident at this show. Their set was filled with great songs and great humor. The banter between these two bigger than life characters made the show fly by way too quickly. Good ol' country songs like the Benson-penned tribute to Merle Haggard entitled "Feelin' Haggard" and Watson's signature "I Lie When I Drink"were big hits with the audience.  They also performed covers from the duet album as well as a tribute to this new venture, "The Ballad of Dale and Ray." Overall, it was a great start to a great night of country music.