Weekend events include tribute concert, film screening, memorabilia—and a visit from the Honeysuckle Rose
The City of Garland will host a weekend-long celebration May 16-17 to honor the 50th anniversary of Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson’s groundbreaking 1975 album recorded at Autumn Sound Studio – now Audio Dallas – located in Garland. Widely credited with reshaping country music and launching the outlaw movement, the album holds a special place in music history and in the identity of the city where it was made.
The event, titled “Songs & Stories: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Red Headed Stranger,” brings together a wide range of Texas musicians, writers, and fans to pay tribute to Nelson’s legacy through live performances, a film screening, panel discussions, and exhibits.
Friday, May 16: Film & Conversation at the Plaza Theatre
The celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday with a theatrical screening of Red Headed Stranger (1986), courtesy of Shout! Factory, at Garland’s historic Plaza Theatre. Ahead of the screening, Dallas Morning News journalist Michael Granberry will moderate a panel discussion exploring Nelson’s impact. Joining him will be Willie Nelson: An Epic Life author and longtime Texas music historian Joe Nick Patoski, along with acclaimed North Texas singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker, who will share his personal reflections on the album.
General admission for the screening and discussion is $15. Tickets and additional information are available at GarlandArts.com.
Saturday, May 17: Free Concerts and Star-Studded Tribute
Saturday’s festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a Fringe Concert Series across Downtown Garland. Local artists including Nathan “Mongol” Wells, Frankie Leonie, Jackson Scribner, Remy Reilly, and others will perform at Intrinsic Brewery, Fortunate Son, and Dead Wax Records through 6 p.m. These performances are free to the public and provide a chance to explore Garland’s emerging music scene.
The centerpiece of the weekend comes Saturday evening at the Granville Arts Center, where a one-night-only tribute concert will bring Red Headed Stranger to life through a lineup of celebrated Texas musicians. Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s, Max and Heather Stalling, and Joshua Ray Walker will each perform select tracks from the album. The house band, dubbed The Band of Strangers and led by producer John Pedigo, will provide backing instrumentation designed to capture the sparse, haunting sound of Nelson’s original recording.
In addition to the music, audiences will have access to a special exhibit of memorabilia from The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, which houses one of the most important Texas music archives in the country. On site will also be the legendary Honeysuckle Rose, Nelson’s original tour bus, available for public viewing and photo opportunities.
A Landmark Moment for Garland – “Music Friendly City” Desgnation
Adding to the significance of the weekend, officials from the Texas Music Office will be on hand to formally designate Garland as a “Music Friendly City,” joining the ranks of Austin, Fort Worth, and other cities recognized for their commitment to supporting local music.
“This event is more than a concert—it’s a full-circle moment for Garland,” said event organizers. “Fifty years ago, one of the most influential albums in country music was recorded here. Today, we celebrate not just that legacy, but the new generation of artists it continues to inspire.”
Schedule at a Glance:
Friday, May 16
7:00 p.m. – Film Screening & Panel Discussion
The Plaza Theatre
Tickets: $15.00
Saturday, May 17
3:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Fringe Concert Series (Free)
Downtown Garland: Intrinsic Brewery, Fortunate Son, Dead Wax Records
8:00 p.m. – Red Headed Stranger Tribute Concert
Granville Arts Center, Brownlee Auditorium
Tickets & details at GarlandArts.com
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