Templeton PAC to host ‘Songs of Willie Nelson’ tribute concert
ZB Savoy.
– ZB Savoy will present “Songs of Willie Nelson: The Musical History of an American Icon” at the Templeton Performing Arts Center on Friday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. This event will offer a musical journey through the life and legacy of Willie Nelson, featuring performances by California-based singer-songwriter ZB Savoy.
Savoy, who performs over 200 shows a year, has deep roots in the California ranching community, and his music is inspired by legends like Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Isbell. His performances blend high-energy entertainment with storytelling, making him a favorite at festivals, fairs, and events across the country.
“Willie is more than just an iconic writer and legendary performer; he’s a shepherd of traditional country music,” said Savoy, ” He has kept the historic songs alive by introducing them to new audiences year after year. If we’re helping do even the smallest fraction of that with this ‘Songs of Willie Nelson’ show, then that is something to feel good about.
“You’ll get to hear some phenomenal playing by this outstanding band that I have with me. I hope you will get to learn a little bit about the songs, the man, and the journey he’s had to become the national treasure that is Willie Nelson.”
Savoy has selected tracks that are either historically significant or widely popular, including favorites like “Always On My Mind,” “On The Road Again,” and “Crazy.” He notes, “There are just so many wonderful deep cuts and B sides that he’s done, but his hits are undeniable.”
Savoy emphasized that his tribute is not a typical “tribute act.” “I’m not pretending to be Willie Nelson, just like Willie wasn’t pretending to be Bob Wills when he did Bob’s old tunes,” he said, “The band and I are just huge fans. We are bringing our love of the music, and my love of the history to the stage. The hope is to strike just the right balance between story and song.”
The band assembled for this tribute includes musicians with impressive backgrounds, such as Bobby Furgo, who has played with Leonard Cohen and Dolly Parton, and Danny Campbell, who has performed with Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead.
Savoy described the performance as more than just a concert, calling it an “immersive experience that blends entertainment with storytelling.” He added, “More than anything, I want everyone to be entertained and enjoying themselves. And if they come away with a fact or two about Willie’s life or country music in general, then all the better.”
For Savoy, the experience extends beyond the performance itself. He noted, “One of the highlights of every show for me is getting to talk to everyone afterward. The fact that in the span of a couple minutes, we got to chat with two 90-year-olds and then two 18-year-olds, and have them all tell us they loved the show, was very fulfilling. It really is an all-ages type of thing.”
Tickets for “Songs of Willie Nelson” at the Templeton Performing Arts Center are available here.
In addition, there is a chance to win four free tickets to the show. To enter, participants can give a shoutout to ZB Savoy’s “Songs of Willie Nelson” on social media and tag the organizers in the post. The winner will be announced on Monday, Aug. 26.
