Live music review: Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library
Through an uninteresting and unimportant turn of events I found myself invited to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station for a series of events called “41 @ 100”. The George and Barbara Bush Foundation presented this event to celebrate the 100th birthday of President George H.W. Bush. Though a graduate of Yale, President Bush was approached by Texas business people and the college as a location for his presidential library. The only event I turned out for was a concert. The combination of A&M grads Lyle Lovett (class of 79), and Robert Earl Keen (class of 78) on June 14 was impossible to pass up.
My wife, twelve-year-old daughter, and I drove over to College Station in my 22-year-old sports coupe Thursday for the evening’s outdoor concert. For fun we spent the night in Brenham, did the downtown scene, and snacked on ice cream at the Blue Bell factory. Is there really any place better or more original than Texas?
There was a 7:30 p.m.start time and gate opened at 6:30. Wish I had known in advance the opening act was Max Stalling. Max has been making music since about 1997. He is in his own right an accomplished singer/songwriter, native Texan, and likewise a graduate of A&M. He was busy with a set of his lovingly crafted songs accompanied by his fiddle playing wife, Heather Stalling. If you are unfamiliar with Max, find some of his recordings and thank me later. He layers rich storytelling and weaves in timeless melodies and is a true raconteur and Texas troubadour.
It’s June in South Central Texas. It was hot. Not humid, and not windy. It was the kind of heat which felt good, loosed up the muscles, and the kind of afternoon you could relax into. The sun felt good on my face, and the music was rich in my ear.
After Stalling’s set and before either Robert Earl or Lyle took stage, a series of other events were planned. First was a group of sky divers which excited the crowd. All military descending with a mixture of art, grace, and unmatched skill.
Next, we had some interesting if not puzzling activities I assume one would have to have been an Aggie alumnus to understand. I will not go into them in case it is some long-held secret, but I will say while I have never understood school spirit, or the pride one carries for decades after graduation, Aggies seem to have a bond which transcends traditions, time and space, and no one can deny the fellowship.
The show MC never appeared again, and as the proud Texas sun set along the western side of the horizon, Robert Earl Keen causally walked out, said good evening, and while his band took their positions informed us, he’d play a “while” then Lyle would do the same, then they’d have a set together. He quickly launched into a set of his most well-known songs. He was in good voice and spirit, and told a few stories about his time at A&M.
At some point, Keen addressed his retirement. Fans were sad to see him retire in September of 2022. His famous last words in his farewell speech detailing final meant “final”. Many fans noticed a few “tour dates” popping up and appearances. Keen admitted his retirement was what he called a “haha” and laughable. He said he missed the music, he missed the “life”. We missed Robert Earl and are glad he is comfortable to be back performing. Nothing wrong with a break. It was well deserved. Fans can surely look forward to more concerts, and hopefully some recording projects to add to Keen’s 20 albums.
Lyle Lovett came out as Robert Earl left absent the same fanfare. Lyle, always in his custom-made suits on stage, often appears more thankful than the audience to be there. His humility and dedication to his craft are always inspiring as well as refreshing. This was a unique performance of sorts. Lovett usually tours with his Large Band (it’s not big it’s large), an acoustic group, or on solo tours with another singer/songwriter he calls “conversation and song”. His band this evening was neither an acoustic group nor a large band but made of his long-time members and performed flawlessly.
Lyle played several of his hits and standards including some songs from his newest album, The 12th of June. The title track recounts many covered potluck dinners his family gathered after tending to the family cemetery. He told the story with his whimsey and rambling ways that are so endearing to his many fans.
The show concluded with the two on stage together, sharing stories and songs. Any paring of these two Texas icons surely must include the “Front Porch Song”, and they didn’t disappoint. In the gentle Texas twilight, we listened as Lyle and Robert told the story of how each came to write a verse as they slide into the music effortlessly. Their voices, and those backing them lifted into the summer night air and filled the famed Texas skies not just with stars, but with the beauty and poetry of true Texas Music.
It was by all but one account, a perfect evening. Now friends, I must pause here to address that one account. If you are so inclined to attend a concert, without the desire to listen to music, but rather to talk endlessly and mindlessly, not even about music, instead yielding to boasting about your own alleged accolades, do not be at all surprised if my wife beats you with her flip flop. Stay home. You should NEVER be a loudmouth at any live performance, or at a movie for that matter. Not when performers, writers, authors, and such, have gone through great lengths and considerable trouble to provide us with something much more interesting to listen to.
Look up the tour schedules of Max Stalling, Robert Earl Keen, and Lyle Lovett, and take in a show. (quietly). Buy a record, download a song, tune your favorite device to whatever streaming service you use, and enjoy. Last thing, no matter your political leanings, visit the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. History is history, and it really is fascinating.
Photos courtesy of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation
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