📍 Downtown Garland, TX
📅 May 16 – 17, 2025

In May 1975, country music icon Willie Nelson released his career-defining album Red Headed Stranger — a revolutionary concept album recorded right here in Garland, Texas, at Autumn Sound Studio (now Audio Dallas). Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in country music history, it launched the outlaw country movement and solidified Willie’s legendary status.

This May, join the City of Garland for a weekend-long celebration filled with film, storytelling, live music, and special tributes that pay homage to this iconic album and its ties to Garland.

‘Red Headed Stranger’ Film Screening & Panel Discussion

🎬 Friday, May 16

‘Red Headed Stranger’ Film Screening & Panel Discussion
📍Plaza Theatre | 521 W. State St., Garland, TX 75040
🕖 7:00 PM
🎟️ $15.00 | Buy Tickets

Celebrate the cinematic counterpart to the album with a special screening of the 1986 film Red Headed Stranger (courtesy of Shout! Factory) starring Willie Nelson. Before the movie, enjoy a dynamic panel hosted by Dallas Morning News arts writer Michael Granberry, featuring:

• Actress Morgan Fairchild, who starred opposite Willie
• Nelson biographer Joe Nick Patoski
• North Texas singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker

This one-of-a-kind conversation explores Willie’s legacy, the album’s cultural impact, and its deep roots in Garland.

Fringe Concert Series – FREE!

🎶 Saturday, May 17

Fringe Concert Series – FREE!
📍 Downtown Garland Venues
🕒 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

🎟️ FREE | RSVP

Catch live sets from a stellar lineup of North Texas artists across three downtown venues:

📍Intrinsic Brewing
3:00 PM – Nathan Mongol Wells
4:00 PM – David Forsyth
5:00 PM – Ottoman Turks

📍Fortunate Son
3:00 PM – Evan Boyer
4:00 PM – Angel White
5:00 PM – Cosmic Reunion

📍Dead Wax Records
3:00 PM – Frankie Leonie
4:00 PM – Jackson & Levi Scribner
5:00 PM – Remy Reilly

Enjoy this musical lead-in to the main event, all in the heart of Downtown Garland.

Red Headed Stranger Tribute Concert

🎶 Saturday, May 17
🎤 Red Headed Stranger Tribute Concert

📍 Granville Arts Center | 300 N. 5th St., Garland, TX 75040
🕗 8:00 PM
🎟️ $75.00 – $105.00 | Buy Tickets

This unforgettable evening celebrates Red Headed Stranger with a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. Renowned Texas musicians will perform the album in full, bringing their own stories and interpretations to the stage.

Featured Artists:

• 🎸 Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel)
• 🎤 Rhett Miller (Old 97's)
• 🎶 Joshua Ray Walker
• 🎵 Max & Heather Stalling

They’ll be backed by The Band of Strangers, led by producer John Pedigo and guitarist Matt Hillyer, recreating the album’s sparse, iconic sound.

🎟️ Bonus: VIP ticket holders ($105) receive complimentary entry to Friday’s film screening and discussion.

Red Headed Stranger’ Recording Studio Tour Bus Ride with Nathan “Mongol” Wells

In 1975, music history was made at Autumn Sound recording studio with the creation of Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger.’ Now known as Audio Dallas, the studio continues to produce Gold and Platinum projects with legendary artists including Kris Kristofferson, Jack Ingram, and Miranda Lambert to name a few. Musician Nathan “Mongol” Wells hosts the ride from Downtown Garland to the studio and back with stories to share along the way. Meet studio owner and engineer, Paul Osborn, and see the room where it happened. Tours are limited to 12 attendees.

Tours leave from the Visitor Center in Downtown Garland, 501 W State St. Garland, TX 75040. Attendees are encouraged to check-in 5 minute prior to departure time. Each tour is approximately 50 minutes.

📷 Willie’s Tour Bus, “Red Headed Stranger” – On-site for photo ops

🎼 Memorabilia Exhibit – Curated by The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University

🏅 Official “Music Friendly City” Certification – Representatives from the Texas Music Office will present this honor to Garland

🎨 Original Event Artwork – By Bryan Peterson, featured Texas Songwriters’ Hall of Fame artist

Why You Can’t Miss It

Don’t miss out on this historic musical milestone. Join us in Downtown Garland May 16–17 for Songs & Stories: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger.