A message from Scott Holbrook -ARD Director and PIP Event "emcee".

Wow – I can not believe it has been 10 years since the 1^st Party, nor I can not believe we got Billy Joe Shaver to play at Party in the Park!   While some know exactly what I am talking about, many more do not realize the talent that will be taking the stage.  When one thinks of a Country Music Legend, or rather an “Outlaw” Country legend – names like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson or a few others may come to mind – but if it were possible to ask any of them who they think of, I am willing to bet Billy Joe Shaver would be on top of all their lists!

Billy’s songs are best know as performed by others, all but one song on Waylon Jennings break out hit record “Honky Tonk Heroes” was penned by Billy Joe.  Artists such as Elvis, Bob Dylan, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Asleep at the Wheel, Todd Snider, The Allman Brothers begin the list of greats who have recorded Billy Joe Shaver Songs.

But Billy is so much more than a songwriter – having over 20 Records to his name – and long history of hitting the stage, from dirt floor Honky Tonks of Texas to the stage at Golden Gate Park!

Get ready for a very special evening at Party in the Park as we all be enjoying a true legend and incredible artist.  Not to mention all the other great reasons to come – from the Texas BBQ Pit & Beer Garden – to the fun Kid Zone – there really is something for everyone!  -

For a better insight into Billy – Please read the following interview with Billy from Lone Star Music – a great resource of Texas music ­ and it don’t get more Texas than Billy! 

In  the mean time – start shopping for your Cowboy Boots & Bathin’ Suits – ‘cause it is Party in the Park “Texas Style” & as always….

Keep Smilin’!   Scott

“God loves you when you dance”  - Billy Joe Shaver

"Billy Joe Shaver is the last of his breed," said Cash. "Since I was a young child, I have known him, and now having the chance to work with him in the studio as a producer, I have learned his heart. Billy Joe is the kind of man who will go the extra mile for a friend...Give his coat when asked for his shirt. I love Billy Joe and will always treasure the memories of working with him."   -  Johnny Cash

 

“Despite the fact that the creative pools for Waylon, Willie and the boys have dried or are drying up, Shaver's work remains full of vibrancy and vitality even entering his fourth decade of songwriting; in the past ten years he's produced no fewer than three splendid recordings (1993's Tramp on Your Street, 1995's Highway of Life and this year's The Earth Rolls On). Too many fans of hard country are still traipsing through the merry land of Oz unaware that many of the honky tonk sounds they revere were created, or at least influenced, by the grizzled wizard behind the curtain.” Y -  Andrew Dansby – Rolling Stone

“Billy Joe Shaver may be the best songwriter alive today.”  -  Willie Nelson

Shaver is truly one of the most respected living figures in American music. Johnny Cash called him "my favorite songwriter, The Washington Post noted, "when the country outlaws were collecting their holy writings, Billy Joe Shaver was carving out Exodus."   - AntiMusic.com

Keep Smilin’

Scott