"Funny How Time Slips Away" to "Find Yourself"

New perspective is found inside the Val Air Ballroom with 25 years between Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson shows in the iconic West Des Moines venue

A couple weeks back, May 15th to be exact, I found myself in the recently renovated Val Air Ballroom watching Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, rock the house. During the show, I recalled that it must have been something like 25 years ago when I saw Willie Nelson himself put on a rocking show in the Val Air Ballroom with my younger brother, Andy.

We had moved to Iowa the previous fall and both quickly agreed that we best see the legend in person while we had the chance given his age. So, we did on May 10, 2000 (almost exactly 25 years ago to the day of son Lukas rolling through town in the same venue). Outside of knowing that I saw Willie with my brother and we had fun, there’s not a lot of other detail I can share about the show.

I could likely surmise that we pre-gamed at Sully’s across the street and that I probably spent an inordinate amount of time in the beer line at the show or relieving myself of said beer because that’s what concert attendance often was for me. A chance to party and rock out. These days, it’s so very different for me watching a show.

First, I often go alone because I just prefer it that way. I’m less concerned about any small talk and can focus more on the show as well as taking any journey necessary for better viewing in a GA situation. Second, my boozing days are behind me so waiting in lines with others for a beer buzz is no longer on the agenda creating an amazing amount of additional time to soak in other sights and sounds. Overall, I’m just more into the artistry of it all and love watching talented people just do their thing.

From beginning to end, the Lukas Nelson show was solid. He’s got some real hits, even writing with Lady Gaga for “A Star Is Born” and taking home a Grammy. You can hear in his voice that he has Willie’s genetics, but he doesn’t go to that well too often. Instead, he’s creating a voice and style of his own with the occasional head nods in stylizations to his father’s incredible legacy in country music. Their extended live version of “Find Yourself” was an absolute banger.

Often out-front shredding on an electric guitar, a definite differentiation to Willie picking on “Trigger” the legendary Martin N-20 nylon string storied guitar he acquired in 1969. Lukas and the bassist were constantly switching up axes throughout the night keeping the crowd entertained. Here’s Lukas out front getting after it.

Lukas is creating a legacy of his own and in his own style. He’s no doubt changed his approach over the years because it seems just being “Willie’s Son” wasn’t good enough. Instead, he’s leaped out of that monumental shadow to become a new force all his own while still honoring the legend that is his father.

Isn’t it nice when time allows you the chance to “slip away” from a former self? I chatted up a few friends I saw before the show, but my focus for the night was to sit (yes, sit in the Val Air Ballroom in proper seats on the floor — it was terrific) and admire the artistry from a great vantage point. There were plenty of people rocking out and clearly fueled by the time-honored tradition of live music and booze. Some were chattier than need be during the quiet parts, but overall folks were respectful and just having a good time. I was happy for them, and for me, being in the moment of great live music.

He came back out for the encore and covered Eddie Vedder’s “Just Breathe” which he does as a duet with his dad on the album “Willie Nelson and Friends” and the whole place was quiet except for the under whispers of strangers saying how beautiful it was and folks joining in on the chorus. I soaked it all up. The venue improvements, the talent, the passing of time and the comfort of knowing to simply enjoy the moment.

There was a time when my cup wouldn’t have been filled with just a great show. I would have wanted to keep the party rolling and rolled into the new basement bar, but not anymore. I gleefully b-lined to my car loaded up on endorphins from the show and was home in time to stream a little something on the tube with my family before calling it a night.

We are all living chemistry experiments. The opportunity to break free from a former self and change for better perspective is one of the greatest blessings in life. I’m grateful for it.

To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative of which I’m a proud member.

You can stream my original music on all platforms and learn more about me at www.chipalbrightmusic.com. My next show is a free solo performance on Friday, May 30th at the new xBk Annex in Des Moines at 7pm. Local indie rock band Lady Revel will headline their album release next door with Munk Rivers opening inside xBk proper at 8pm on the same night.

Also, here is the Zoom link for this month’s Office Lounge for paid subscribers to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. It’s a lively conversation held on the last Friday of the month at noon and hosted by Robert Leonard.