Garland will host a two-day celebration on May 16 and 17 to honor the 50th anniversary of Willie Nelson’s landmark album, “Red Headed Stranger.” The celebration will feature a film screening, panel discussion, tribute concert, and more to honor the album’s legacy in country music.
The festivities begin Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. with a screening of Nelson’s 1986 film “Red Headed Stranger” at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St., courtesy of Shout! Factory. Before the screening, journalist Michael Granberry will host a panel with actress Morgan Fairchild, who starred alongside Nelson, Nelson biographer Joe Nick Patoski, and North Texas musician Joshua Ray Walker, who will share his personal connection to the album.
Recorded in Garland at Autumn Sound Studio (now Audio Dallas) in May 1975, the album is considered a cornerstone of the outlaw country movement and one of the greatest in the genre’s history. As part of the celebration, musician Nathan “Mongol” Wells will lead bus tours from the Downtown Garland Visitor Center at 501 W. State St. to the studio and back, sharing stories along the way.
Attendees will meet studio owner and engineer Paul Osborn and tour the room where Nelson created the album that sparked the outlaw country movement. Since its “Red Headed Stranger” days, Audio Dallas has produced Gold and Platinum projects with artists like Kris Kristofferson, Jack Ingram, and Miranda Lambert.
On Saturday, May 17, the celebration continues with the free “Red Headed Stranger” Fringe Concert Series from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at venues like Fortunate Son, Intrinsic Brewery, and Dead Wax Records in Downtown Garland on the square. North Texas artists, including Angel White, Nathan “Mongol” Wells, Frankie Leonie, Remy Reilly, and Evan Boyrm, will perform.
At 8 p.m., the Granville Arts Center, located at 300 N. 5th St., will host a tribute concert featuring Texas artists Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Rhett Miller of Old 97’s, Joshua Ray Walker, and Max and Heather Stalling. They will recreate the album’s songs and share its significance to country music and Garland, backed by The Band of Strangers, led by producer John Pedigo, with Matt Hillyer on lead guitar.
Tickets for the concert range from $75 to $105, with the $105 option including complimentary passes to Friday’s screening.
A special exhibit of Willie Nelson memorabilia from The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University will be on display, alongside Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” tour bus for photos.
The Texas Music Office will also certify Garland as a “Music Friendly City,” joining Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin in that designation.
Presented by Garland Cultural Arts and KXT 91.7 FM, the event features original artwork by Dallas-based illustrator Bryan Peterson, a featured artist in the Texas Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. For tickets and details, visit the event’s website.