An article in Texas Monthly magazine released a year after Townes Van Zandt’s death describes his songs as “odes to joy that had no sentimentality, blues numbers that had no self-pity, and sad songs that made people feel good.” Though he never cut a record with a major label and much of his career was spent in obscurity, Country music would not be the same without him. In fact, Van Zandt wrote songs like “Pancho and Lefty” and “If I Needed You”, which both spent time near the top of the Billboard charts thanks to Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris and Don Williams. Though he was never destined for the limelight himself, his music was too powerful to be confined to small stages and limited record releases. He inspired an entire generation of singer-songwriters and a legion of loyal fans with his music.
That’s why we host a tribute to Townes Van Zandt every year. This year it’s happening on Thursday, March 7th at Dick’s Den. Acoustic sets start at 6PM with sets from full bands starting at 8PM. Tickets are still available on our website for $5, with proceeds benefiting our station. Join us and these local Columbus musicians and Townes fans for a night of fun, as we celebrate Townes Van Zandt’s memory through his music.
Townes Van Zandt, A Tribute
