Don't let the oversize Texas flag hanging behind the stage or the unfortunate Toby Keith collaboration fool you. Willie Nelson is not simply a country artist.

Under the increasingly-crowded shade tree of a small hill, the 80-degree weather and cool breeze perfectly matched the sounds drifting from the side speakers. Such was the scene of my introduction to Railroad Earth four years ago.

Their names are often scribbled at the bottom of the show posters in marker or in italics on the venue website. Sometimes they're a complete surprise.

Although G. Love is touring to support his new album Fixin' to Die, both he and Special Sauce were alive, well and filled the Pageant with more blues than the Scottrade Center during hockey season.