Sturgill Simpson - "Call To Arms" (Stubb's, 4/7/25)

Описание: A few months ago, I was introduced to the sounds and stylings of Johnny Blue Skies with YouTube's own Beth Boylan. Their channel became a haven for me, because I hadn't the opportunity to watch Sturgill Simpson perform live. His most recent record 'Passage Du Desir' was my only musical introduction (a stunning breadth of self-awareness sung through poetry and tone) were more than enough kindle to spark my obsession. I would have to catch him live. The music alone must be heard through amplifiers that are stacked way over-head.

Fast forward to my first opportunity at the hallmark Two Stepp Inn music festival. Last year, we caught Sierra Ferrel (video on my channel, entitled 'The Garden') and had an amazing time dancing, frolicking, and leaving early to beat the crowds. Sturgill was headlining this year's festival; where he would be playing a 90-minute set for a mixed bag of fans and people who were there to catch hypothermia (low that night was in the high-forties). I had just worked two doubles back-to-back at the cafe, and couldn't bring myself to miss Elena's return from her visit in Boston with friends. And, between driving two hours back and forth, parking in Georgetown proper would be garish. I skipped the show. Convincing myself that he would either come back soon, or retire completely - ultimately, missing my very last chance.

Did I expect that night to be the following day? Not exactly, but when tickets went on sale for a secret show at Stubb's in Austin (only ten minutes from my house), I grabbed my beach chair, phone, and sunglasses; resolute that any ticket - no matter the price - would be mine. I sat down in line at 3pm, and the box office opened at five. Perfect. I'd take a nap, wake up, buy myself one of the hundred they had available then camp out for when doors inevitably open at 6pm. When they did, I ran to the front of the crowd, just by the rail (after purchasing the coolest looking "huggy" as one woman from Mississippi referred to my coozie) and stood there with my new best friends.

We shared stories of concerts and the bygone eras, tellings (spoken like fables) of the Armadillo World Headquarters where these Heads saw Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, etc. etc. I was having the time of my life. However, once the concert started, I felt like a storm had just rolled through and soaked every person there with the finest blend of country, rock and roll, blues and psych that was around. And, boy, did it rain...standing there for three and a half hours (after previously waiting in line to get in) was an experience I will never forget. Thankfully, the woman next to me had a portable charger, which allowed me to take this video that you're watching now.

The most beautiful aspect of this entire experience was that I believed, deep down in my soul, that whenever I would have the chance to see this fantastic, star-studded group live would be the right time. Fixed with all the joy and good-heartedness that I know music can encapsulate when given away to those deserving most. Life can bring you the most interesting possibilities and experiences. The only way, though, that anything like this can be possible is if you are paying attention and simply say, "f*ck it" every now and then. To accept Life (pain, suffering, love and hope) is one of the hardest lessons I've learned, but it has paid me back in spades, time and again.

Thank you for reading, and thank you Johnny Blue Skies (and Company) for playing your absolute hearts out. It was a damn, good time. * Nick, 4/8/25.