30 Apr Friday: Lukas Nelson and Nathaniel Rateliff

This Friday, two incredible acts (with the most memorable monikers) will take over the JetBlue Stage during our favorite South Florida music festival. I can barely contain my excitement for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real (affectionately called POTR), and Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats. Both of these remarkable ensembles have been touring the United States— selling out venues and touting their impressive catalogs. But now they are in our backyard! Friends, you must not miss them at SunFest.

Lukas Nelson was born with more talent than most of us will ever possess. After all, he is the son of the legendary Willie Nelson. Austin-born Lukas learned to play guitar at an early age, and quickly took to the sounds of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Mike Bloomfield. Fast forward and this 20-something singer, songwriter and guitarist has now released four studio albums, three live recordings, an EP, and two album collaborations with Neil Young.

Having a famous father is wonderful, but it’s important to note that Lukas stands and sings on his own. While his country rock sound has family ties, Lukas and POTR have been able to stretch their sound in new directions. On the band’s recent 2017 self-titled release, Nelson and his brilliant Promises collaborated with a handful of notable artists, including Lucius’ Jess Wolfe and Holly Lessig, Lady Gaga, and Willie Nelson.

How did Lukas come to collaborate with Lucius? I’m glad you asked.

Lukas and POTR are dear friends with Neil Young, recording The Monsanto Years with him, and eventually becoming the singer’s backing band.

“What’s happened with us feels similar to the career trajectory of The Band,” Lukas stated in his press release. “They were already a great band when they started working with Dylan, who lifted them up, which is similar to what Neil’s done for us. He’s also given people a chance to hear what we’re doing and what our own songs have to offer. Then we played the Desert Trip with Neil, along with Paul McCartney, the Stones, the Who and Dylan. That was incredible.”

It was in Indio that Lucius was performing with Roger Waters. One thing led to another, and Jess and Holly ended up being showcased on Lukas’ album.

Following Lukas’ magical set is the bold and bearded Nathaniel Rateliff. This soulful Americana singer/songwriter leaves my palms sweaty and knees weak. Rateliff is a masterful musician with a simmering sound. While Rateliff has been making music on his own and with other acts since 2002, he has had The Night Sweats by his side for the last five years and four studio albums. He’s shared stages with Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Ben Howard, Mumford & Sons, Rosanne Cash, and a slew of other artists that will make your achy heart race. 

Get to the JetBlue as the sun begins to set over West Palm Beach, and then stay planted. Both of this soulful, talented acts should be seen and savored.