Big Ponderoo is in the books — and it was epic.
The highlight for me was, of course, a 90-minute scorcher of a set from Corb Lund and The Hurtin’ Albertans. They turned the lawn at Three Creeks Brewing Co. into a Western honky tonk on a Sunday evening — but there was also space for a couple of really poignant moments. El Viejo, a tribute to the late, great Ian Tyson, was particularly affecting, musing that the old one left us just in time, as he was born for wilder times and a freer range. Watching a hawk soar above the venue during that song gave us all a moment of frisson. The S Lazy H, played solo, silenced the crowd and ripped our hearts out.
The new record comes out in August, I believe, and based on what we previewed at Big Ponderoo, it’s gonna be a good un.
Got a thundering version of Horse Soldier, with an observation from Corb that it was June 25, the 147th anniversary of the Little Big Horn battle. He may have received a tip from some fellow history nerd to that effect…
If you’re into the alt-country thing, check out Margo Cilker. She hails from Eastern Oregon and she’s on her way up. Caught both of her sets and Lady Marilyn downloaded everything she’s got.
Craig Rullman says
Great show. Enjoyed the hell out of it.
H.P. at Hillbilly Highways says
Fun fact: I used S-Lazy-H in class one time and it made a student cry.
I was highly disappointed when I saw Corb at the Calgary Stampede a few years back that he didn’t play S-Lazy-H, or a couple other of my favorites of his, but it was one of the best sets of live music I’ve ever seen, nonetheless.
JimC says
It was great that he got 90 minutes to work with. And that is outstanding teaching.
John Maddox Roberts says
June 25th is also my birthday. Born in ’47.
JimC says
Happy birthday!