LUCKTOBERFEST LIGHTS UP LUCK, TXAN INCLUSIVE CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
With unforgettable performances from Orville Peck, Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue, Tanya Tucker, Shinyribs, Los Lobos, Jake Wesley Rogers, Alex Meixner and more
Orville Peck Credit: Brittany Halberg
Austin, TX - October 30, 2022: This past weekend, Luck Presents’Lucktoberfest took over Willie Nelson’s Luck, TX for an incredible, culturally-rich weekend of unique music, food, and artisan experiences that celebrated the diverse, amazing people that call Texas home. It was a weekend of non-stop connection, inclusivity, and experiences at a party that only Luck Presents could create. The three-day festival saw show-stopping performances from Orville Peck, Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue, Tanya Tucker, Shinyribs, Los Lobos, Alex Meixner, Jake Wesley Rogers, and more, with plenty of surprise guests taking the stage.
Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue Left to Right: Kirby Brown, Paul Cauthen, David Ramirez, and The Kernal Credit: Brooke Hamilton + Amanda Cooper
On Friday, Ryan Quiet, Los Lobos and The Kernal all took the stage ahead of a spectacular performance of Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue where he was joined by special guests David Ramirez and Kirby Brown.
The Beer Hall tent lived up to its name, offering patrons the option of a pint or pitcher from Real Ale, Deep Ellum, Lagunitas, Thirsty Planet, and Yuengling. Music wasn't the weekend's only attraction. Guests of all ages were treated to a midway carnival with classic games and Luck-themed prizes. In addition, local creative collective Preacher took over the chapel for a recorded confessional activation, inviting attendees to anonymously broadcast their deepest, funniest, or weirdest thoughts - to the crowd throughout the day.
Jason Scott kicked things off for Saturday’s Outlaw Masquerade with Jonathan Terrell and Jake Wesley Rodgers both taking the stage. Saturday was a fashionable affair, with fans fully decked out for the occasion. The Desert Roses Southern Glamour Fashion Showbrought the runway to the center of Luck, with outstanding queer southern glam looks and more from central Texas designers NICÓ, This is Sloane, DASHE, FLAMER, and Alive By Benjamin, and TheJigglewatts Burlesque took over the town with an extravagant burlesque show. The love amongst the community was palpable as festival goers embraced the genre-bending, binary-defying art, fashion, and performances of the weekend.
In addition to the themed flair, many attendees dressed in elaborate Halloween costumes - and were able to enter a costume contest to win a $400 Southwest Airlines gift card. Guests could also top off their look at Tecovas' braid bar and shoe shine station. Headliners Orville Peck and Tanya Tucker ended the night with two show-stopping sets under the glow of the iconic Luck sign. While Tucker surprised the audience with appearances from Country hero Sonny Throckmorton and Craig Dillingham, Peck made his biggest (littlest) fan’s night with an onstage greeting.
Tanya Tucker | Credit: Brittany Halberg
Throughout the weekend guests enjoyed beverages from Tito's Vodka, White Claw, TX Whiskey, Bev, Epic Western, Topo Chico, Sap's Original, Liquid Death, and Guayki.
The weekend came to an epic conclusion on Sunday for ‘Prost, Y’all!’, a night of German-influenced entertainment celebrating cherished Bavarian traditions from everything to polka to the stein holding competition, hosted by New Braunfels' Krause's Beer Hall, celebrating the end of October in true Bavarian fashion. Participants competed for VIP tickets to Luck Reunion 2023. Music was of course the centerpiece with performances from Alpenmusikanten, the Walburg Boys, Yodel Blitz, Tanzenfest and Alex Meixner, who was joined by friends Walt & Tina Wilkins and Sunny Sauceda for a very special set. Shinyribs pulled out all of the dance moves for their Southern soul headlining set, with a crowd pleasing performance of hits.
Orville Peck with Fan | Credit: Brooks Burris
$1 from every ticket sold went directly to the Central Texas Food Bank through the Luck Family Foundation. Now in its 40th year of serving those in need, the mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. The Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 60,000 people every week.
Renowned as one of the most exciting, singular musical experiences of the calendar year amongst artists and fans alike, Luck Reunion will return to Willie Nelson’s “Luck, TX” on Thursday, March 16th, 2023 for it’s 11th year. Tickets will go on sale to the public soon.
Jake Wesley Rogers | Credit: Brittany Halberg
Desert Roses Fashion Show | Credit: Brittany Halberg
LOU RIDLEY SHARES A SOUTHERN “BLESS YOUR HEART” IN RESPONSE TO ANTI-ABORTION BILL
PHOTO CREDIT: Bethany R. Reed
Today, human rights advocate and self-proclaimed ‘Anti-country’ country and soul artist Lou Ridley returns with her first release of the year titled “Bless Your Heart.” The track, named after a phrase most southerners would agree is more of an acid-tongued remark than a positive well wish, was written after news leaked that The Supreme Court voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Ridley calls to question those who radically demand their right to freedom yet in the same breath limit the same access to the country’s most marginalized communities under the guise of religious scripture.
Raised in the small town of Southlake, Texas, and now, Nashville-based, Ridley is no stranger to navigating and challenging the ideals of far-right extremists and religious conservatives in the deep south. With both women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights at the forefront of recent and continuous attacks, Ridley felt responsible to speak out, especially while partaking in a genre that often looks to remain silent during controversial and conservative discussions.
“I wrote this song before the overturn. I wrote it as a southern woman whose life has been riddled with experiences of misogyny and prejudice under the guise of Christianity and God. I’m speaking directly to the cowards. In honor of not only other women but all the other lives that are threatened due to the willful ignorance of our leadership in this country. My genre (country), and the men especially, have been alarmingly quiet about these issues… so yet again I’ll grab my nuts and walk forward.”
Recently she sat down with Gloria Johnson (D - Knoxville) former teacher and Tennessee representative to learn more about what the overturn means for Tennessee residents, what to expect next, and the different ways that people can get involved. They go in-depth about healthcare, education, and LGBTQIA+ rights as well as what needs to be done to protect and better them.
WATCH EP. 1 PT. 1 OF NO THANKS WITH TN STATE REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA JOHNSON HERE
Lou Ridley has been making waves in Nashville for not submitting to the typical textbook 'country' artist image. She fearlessly aims to push the boundaries by being unapologetically vocal about Nashville's 'boys club' culture as well as its lack of inclusion and representation. Last year Ridley stormed onto the scene with her wildly popular track “Hometown” written about her hometown of Southlake, Texas, and her sophomore EP titled Angel/Outlaw which lead to praise from The Recording Academy/Grammys, People Magazine, and Houston Chronicle to name a few. Aside from music, she works closely with the Patrick Cady Foundation in Los Angeles to aid unhoused men and women fighting addiction (See here on Soft White Underbelly).
PHOTO CREDIT: Bethany R. Reed