Thursday, June 29, 2006

Willie’s Place

By Blair Lovern

One of the few not playing a Willie event this weekend.

Via press release:

"...country music legend Willie Nelson will join XM to launch 'Willie's Place' (XM 13), XM's traditional country music channel, formerly known as 'Hank's Place.' In his new role as 'proprietor' of 'Willie's Place,' Nelson will provide creative direction for the channel, as well as contribute exclusive programming to 'Willie's Place' and other XM commercial-free music channels. 'Willie's Place' will begin broadcasting July 10.

" 'I've been a fan of XM and Hank's Place since the very beginning. They put a lot of thought and hard work into making the channel sound as good as it does, so I feel privileged to be a part of it,' said Willie Nelson.

" 'It's an honor to have an American music icon like Willie Nelson take the reins of our traditional country music channel,' said Eric Logan, executive vice president of programming, XM Satellite Radio. 'Like the channel itself, Willie embodies the heart and soul of country music. His involvement further underscores XM's commitment to country music nationwide with the most country channels and innovative content for country fans.' "

If you need even more of a Willie fix (although not all will feature the man himself), check out these upcoming events:

Willie's Warm-Up Weekend in Carl's Corner will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Willie Nelson's Picnic at Carl's will be on Monday, and that will have about as much entertainment as the 33rd Annual Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic in Fort Worth on Tuesday.

And don't forget the Willie Picnic Pre-Party at the White Elephant July 3. It's free and indoors.

About the only person not playing in any of these events is Dominic Vroman. Who the heck is that? He's Little Willie. Otherwise, there will be about 100 bands playing in the name of Willie Nelson the next few days.

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