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An armful of grizzled troubadours, fresh-faced upstarts, and relative unknowns gathered Sunday to pay homage to the late Townes Van Zandt, illustrating the Texas singer-songwriter's influence on generations of country-tinged musicians. Though Van Zandt's own albums languished commercially, the presence of such stalwarts as Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Michael and Margo Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies speaks volumes about the songwriter, who died on New Year's Day of an apparent heart attack. And though the evening had a somber tone befitting Van Zandt's dark material, the fact the concert's proceeds will benefit his daughter's education lent the tribute a life-affirming sense of purpose.
The first signs of that life came from country newcomer Gillian Welch, who joined Gilmore during his shaky-voiced opening set. Her own lively version of "Dollar Bill Blues," as well as a sprightly "White Freightliner Blues" performed with Joe Ely set the tone for an evening of easygoing, collaborative fun.
The salt-and-pepper-haired duo of David Olney and David Rawlings brought out the grim nature of Van Zandt's songs and then shook it for all it was worth -- the former on "Tecumseh Valley" and the latter on "Dollar Bill Blues." "I know you heard this one already; I don't care," Olney said with a smile, letting rip with a rawness that underscored why he's a cult favorite.
Younger disciples Paul K and the Timmins siblings laid down their claim to Van Zandt's artistic legacy with quiet intensity. Lyric sheet in hand, Margo Timmins brought smoky, breathless vocals to the song that gave the show its title, "To Live is to Fly."
While lesser known artists Lorrette Velvette and Mary Lee Kortis, and the Two Dollar Band (featuring Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley) brought nothing revelatory to the proceedings, the looseness of the evening kept the flow of performers relatively brisk. As performers drew straws backstage to determine who was going to play what, the standing-room-only crowd was treated to th