Under the warm North Carolina sky at the Outlaw Music Festival, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable moments with a soul-stirring medley of “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Crazy,” and “Night Life”—three classics penned by his legendary father, Willie Nelson.
From the first haunting notes of “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Lukas captivated the crowd, his voice a perfect blend of tender vulnerability and road-worn grit, echoing the song’s bittersweet reflection on love and time. Without missing a beat, he slid into the aching melancholy of “Crazy,” bending each phrase with a bluesy ache that would’ve made Patsy Cline proud, before igniting the swaggering, whiskey-soaked groove of “Night Life,” complete with scorching guitar licks that had the audience swaying and cheering.
What made the performance so powerful wasn’t just the flawless musicianship—it was the palpable sense of legacy. Lukas didn’t just cover these songs; he inhabited them, honoring his father’s songwriting genius while infusing them with his own fiery spirit. The crowd, a sea of cowboy hats and raised beers, sang along to every word, a testament to how deeply these songs are woven into the fabric of country music.
As the final notes rang out, it was clear: Lukas Nelson isn’t just carrying the torch of outlaw country—he’s lighting new fires with it. For longtime Willie fans and newcomers alike, it was a transcendent moment, proving that great songs never fade—they just find new voices to keep them alive.
Lukas Nelson & Family’s Turn Off The News (Build a Garden) – Quarantunes Evening Session is a soulful antidote to modern chaos, blending raw Americana with timely wisdom. Recorded during the pandemic’s peak, this stripped-down, acoustic rendition amplifies the song’s original message—eschewing media noise for grounded, purposeful living. Lukas’ weathered yet tender vocals, paired with warm harmonies from his family band, create an intimate campfire vibe, while the lyrics (“Turn off the news and build a garden / Plant your dreams where the weeds have been”) resonate as both protest and prayer. The Quarantunes setting—soft lighting, unpolished authenticity—turns the performance into a healing ritual, reminding us that growth begins when we unplug and nurture something real.
What makes this version especially poignant is its quiet defiance. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the song doesn’t just advocate retreat—it champions creation. The gentle strum of an acoustic guitar, the organic crackle of live vocals, and the familial closeness of the performance all reinforce the idea that resilience blooms in simplicity.
There’s a touch of Willie Nelson’s outlaw spirit here (no surprise, given Lukas’ lineage), but also a modern folk sensibility that feels both urgent and timeless. By the end, you’re left with more than a melody—you’re left with a mantra. Build a garden. Turn off the noise. Start where you are. In three minutes, Lukas Nelson & Family don’t just play a song—they offer a lifeline.