Backstreet Records hosts tribute to legend June 19

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Jeff Liberty

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If you are unaware of who Townes Van Zandt was, let me enlighten you as to what a genius he was as a songwriter, performer and poet. Van Zandt, who has been called a songwriters’ songwriter, has written some of the most beautiful country and folk songs you may ever hear. Steve Earle just released his critically acclaimed CD of the music of his mentor, simply entitled Townes.

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Courtesy www.myspace.com/townesvanzandtcentral

A musical tribute in appreciation of the late Townes Van Zandt will be held at Backstreet Records on Germain Street June 19.

Earle says, 'Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."

Other famous musicians who have either covered his work or who have praised it include Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard (who scored a #1 Billboard hit on the country charts with Pancho and Lefty), Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark and Kris Kristofferson.

Van Zandt was a cult artist and star while he was alive, living his life as a romanticized myth to many, plagued by bouts of manic depression and substance abuse. He played dive bars, never reaching his full potential as the bona fide and deserving superstar he should have been.

Van Zandt passed away at the age of 52 on Jan. 1, 1997, from long-term health problems due to years of substance abuse. This last decade has brought a resurgence of his music with an amazing documentary about Van Zandt along with a couple of books and feature articles. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Norah Jones and The Meat Puppets (a favourite of Kurt Cobain) have covered his rich catalogue of songs. Van Zandt was a gifted songwriter held in the highest regard by many, including yours truly.

A musical tribute in appreciation of the late Townes Van Zandt will be held at Backstreet Records on Germain St., June 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Close to a dozen local and regional musical guests will perform his music for your enjoyment.

The organizers consider Van Zandt to be one of the best songwriters of all time. You need to see the documentary film about Townes, entitled Be Here to Love Me - which is brilliant, I might add. For more on this movie, go to www.townesthemovie.com. Check out www.townesvanzandt.com to learn more about the myth, the man, the legend. Refreshments and popcorn will be served.

Call 693-9425 for further information on this event and I will see you there. It's a free event and a good way to spend a June night in the city. For more musical events in the valley and area check out www.sessionscafe.ca, www.shadowlawninn.com and www.giraffecycle.com

Cheers! The Music Man.

Jeff's musical pick of the week - Live at The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas - Townes Van Zandt

Jeff Liberty has spent two decades in the entertainment business as an impresario and is known as the Music Man of the Valley. He can be reached by emailing freedomismusic@aol.com.