Jackson Browne and Willie Nelson in Concert

My friend invited me to the 50th Anniversary Concert of Merriweather Post Pavilion, and it was so much fun! I will admit that I slept in and out of the concert (We were laying on a picnic blanket! I couldn't help it!), but I really did enjoy myself. Here are some of the artists and songs we heard:

Grace Potter - She was the Emcee of the night. I only knew who she was because she performs the duets "Wild Child" and "You and Tequila" with Kenny Chesney. But she can hold her own; she has an amazing voice! She only performed a few songs, but my favorite one was "Stars." See the video below (I actually think it sounds better live!).

Father John Misty - He was the opener, and he was the one I really slept through...so I can't even tell you which songs he sang! But he has a pretty good voice; I liked his music (what I heard of it in my sleepy state). But here are some songs I found online that he may or may not have played...Several of them are about his relationship with his wife, so that's romantic and sweet.

I Went to the Store One Day

Holy Shit

Pure Comedy

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings

Willie Nelson - He was the act I was most excited to see. Although I consider myself a country music fan, I'm ashamed to say I actually don't know his music very well. The only thing that comes to mind is his duet "Beer for My Horses" with Tobey Keith. But I did end up recognizing some of the songs. I really liked hearing him live!

On the Road Again

It's All Going to Pot

Always on My Mind

Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

Georgia on My Mind

Jackson Browne - Here's another artist that I didn't know, even though I realize he's been around for a long time and has some famous hits. I thought he put on a really great show!

Stay (I just thought this was a song from Dirty Dancing!)

Take It Easy (This song was first recorded by the Eagles, but Browne helped write it.)

Because this was the 50th anniversary of the venue, I wanted to learn a bit more about its history. Its Wikipedia page is pretty interesting! Here are some fun facts:

• It was originally intended to be a summer home for the National Symphony Orchestra.
• It opened in the summer of 1967 during a torrential downpour that flooded the orchestra to its knees.
• In 1980, President Jimmy Carter attended a Willie Nelson concert and took the stage to sing a duet of "Georgia on My Mind." He did not attend this past performance, though!
• As of 2005, Jimmy Buffett had performed at Merriweather Post Pavilion 42 times, the most by any act.
•  In August 2014, the site made national news when 2 patrons died and 20 others were hospitalized from drug overdoses after a Mad Decent concert. I never heard about this!
• Three tracks from Jackson Browne's Running on Empty were recorded at the pavilion on August 27, 1977.
• Animal Collective's critically acclaimed 2009 album Merriweather Post Pavilion is named in tribute to the pavilion, though the band did not actually perform there until 2011.

 I love this as a summer venue. Who doesn't like listening to live music while picnicking?!