Willie Nelson Proves He’s Still an American Treasure at Syracuse’s Outlaw Music Festival
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — At 92 years old, Willie Nelson has nothing left to prove. Yet on Sunday night at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, he reminded a crowd of nearly 15,000 fans why he remains one of America’s most enduring musical treasures, as reported by syracuse.com.
A Full Day of Music
The festival kicked off early in sweltering heat — with temps nearing 100 degrees — as Waylon Payne opened the event at 3:45 p.m. Payne not only delivered solo songs but also joined Nelson later on stage, honoring his family’s deep ties to country music. Other highlights included the Turnpike Troubadours, who brought Oklahoma’s red dirt country to the lawn, and The Red Clay Strays, who won the crowd with a mix of Americana, Southern rock, and their platinum hit Wondering Why.
And then, of course, came Bob Dylan. At 84, Dylan stayed close to his upright piano while delivering a set that leaned heavily into slow, blues-inspired tunes. Classics like All Along the Watchtower and Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right made appearances, though the subdued pacing drew mixed reactions from the crowd.
Nelson’s Commanding Presence
Taking the stage at 9:45 p.m., Nelson appeared under the glow of a massive American flag backdrop. Seated throughout his 65-minute performance, the country icon nonetheless radiated warmth and charisma. His voice, often soft and conversational, still carried emotion in songs like You Were Always On My Mind and Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.
He opened with Whiskey River and segued into a string of favorites: Funny How Time Slips Away (woven into a medley with Crazy and Night Life), Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, and, of course, On the Road Again. The singalong moments underscored how deeply these songs remain etched in American culture.
Humor, Heart, and Honesty
Nelson’s charm has always come not just from his music, but from his personality. Fans laughed and cheered when he performed Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, his playful 2012 collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Kris Kristofferson.
Though Nelson has publicly given up smoking marijuana — telling Forbes earlier this year that his “lungs said don’t do that anymore” — he hasn’t left the culture behind. Instead, he’s embraced edibles and continues to market Willie’s Remedy, a line of CBD and THC-infused products. At the festival, fans could even purchase his specialty drinks on-site.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Even after decades on the road, Nelson refuses to slow down. Every guitar flourish on his beloved “Trigger” earned cheers, and each golden note in his weathered voice reminded the crowd that he still has plenty left to give.
For younger fans, seeing Nelson was a chance to witness history; for longtime followers, it was a reminder of just how much his music has soundtracked their lives. The intergenerational energy was undeniable as parents, grandparents, and kids sang along together under the warm summer night.
Setlist Highlights
- Whiskey River (Johnny Bush cover)
- Funny How Time Slips Away / Crazy / Night Life
- Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys
- On the Road Again
- You Were Always on My Mind
- Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground
- Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die
- Last Leaf (Tom Waits cover)
- Will the Circle Be Unbroken / I’ll Fly Away (with Red Clay Strays)
Why It Matters
At an age when most would have retired decades ago, Willie Nelson continues to pack amphitheaters with fans spanning generations. His Syracuse stop at the Outlaw Music Festival wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the timeless ability of music to connect people.
As Nelson sang his closing number, The Party’s Over, the irony wasn’t lost on anyone. For him, the party is clearly far from over.
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