Country musician Pat Green is set to make Texas music history.
The San Antonio-born singer-songwriter is about to becomes the second artist ever — after outlaw country legend Jerry Jeff Walker — to record a live album inside the legendary Luckenbach Dancehall in Fredericksburg. The two-night event on this Friday and Saturday marks Green’s 17th performance at the iconic Hill Country venue and his first live album release in more than two decades.
For Green, the moment is more than historic, it’s personal. Luckenbach is where he married his wife Kori in 2000, and he added that it feels unlike anywhere else when he’s onstage performing.
Green said Luckenbach carries a legacy shaped by Walker’s 1973 album Viva Terlingua! Now, is poised to add to that legacy by returning to the venue that helped define his musical journey. It’s a place that continues to fuel him with the Texas spirit that’s made him a fan favorite.
During an interview with the Current earlier this week, Green, 53, talked about his favorite memories of fellow musician Jerry Jeff Walker and what he wants his new album to be remembered for.
How long did you live in San Antonio as a kid?
I was like 4 years old when I left. My father was in the Air Force. My brother was born in San Antonio too. Then, when my father retired, we moved to Waco. Both my parents went to Baylor. But, obviously, I’ve spent an amazing amount of time in San Antonio. And I’m still a San Antonio Spurs fan.
You’ve played Luckenbach 16 times before this upcoming concert. What made you decide to record this performance live?
You know, they asked me and said that if there was anybody they wanted to do a second recording, [it was me]. Jeff was a lifelong friend of mine. His family is incredibly dear to me.
You’ve said that performing in Luckenbach feels different than other venues. What makes it different? The stage itself? The history? The fans? Or is it something deeper than that?
All the above. When I play there, I know I’m standing in the footprints of giants — artists who I grew up loving and the guys who taught me how to be me. So, it’s a big deal for me.
Besides Jerry Jeff Walker, who would you consider those giants?
Well, I’ve seen Kris Kristofferson there. I’ve seen Waylon [Jennings] there. I’ve seen Willie [Nelson] there. I’ve seen Robert Earl Keen there. I’ve seen everybody there.
How does the memory of your wedding in Luckenbach shape the emotional weight of recording there now?
I mean, I’m glad my family’s going to be there. They’re going to get to see me sing in the place where it all started. It’s been wonderful. I seem to write songs about the same girl all the time.
What is a memory you have of visiting Jerry’s home as a young musician?
My favorite memory of Jerry Jeff is that when we were at his house, I never saw him sitting around. He was always playing the guitar. There was always a guitar on his lap, even if he was watching his beloved New York Yankees. He was always trying to find something new. He was just a prolific songwriter. He was one of those people that if you’re a songwriter, you can model his plan: don’t ever stop writing.
What did the album Viva Terlingua! teach you about the kind of musician you wanted to become?
I liked how loose it was. It wasn’t trying to be the great American record. It was meant to be exactly what it was. It’s a little bit casual. Don’t get me wrong, there’s songs on it that are deep … and poignant and have something to say. But a lot of them are about having fun too. I would say that if Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Jeff Walker had a kid, it would look like me.
Do you want this new album to feel polished or loose like Viva Terlingua!?
Both. I want some of it to be hospital corners — right on the money. And I want some to sound a little bit loose too. I want it to be something that everybody gets a piece of and connects to in their own way.
Texas country music has changed a lot since you started. What would you say is the biggest difference in the scene today?
There’s a lot more of us now. Back in the day, there really weren’t a whole lot of Texas music bands. I mean, there were a handful that were really out there making a difference. Now, they’re all over the place. And good for them. I think it’s the most difficult business to be successful in. I’m just happy that our music scene is thriving. There are so many bands out there that are doing great. Now, it’s my turn to sit back and enjoy as much of it as I can and sing whenever I’m asked to.
Before I let you go, I wanted to share my condolences with you for the loss of members of your family this past summer during the flooding in the Hill Country. How do you see your role as an artist continue to support recovery efforts moving forward?
I was so honored by the people that came out to support all the victims. I was just part of the things that we had to do to start recovery, not only on a mental and emotional level, but on a physical level too. So much work has yet to be done. I’m going to keep doing the things I always do, like raising money. Anybody who wants to donate to the Pat Green Foundation, go for it. We’re always raising money and giving money away. It’s part of our life.
$30 – $125, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8, Luckenbach Dancehall, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, (830) 997-3224, luckenbachtexas.com.
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