Merle Haggard shines at Southern Junction

Photos by Mary Jane Farmer — click on links at the end for photos of both Merle Haggard & The Strangers, and of Big Gus & Swampadelic, the opening band for the night.

Merle Haggard and his band of a dozen or musicians arrived at Southern Junction Thursday night (March 27, 2014) in two buses. Over the years, it appears, The Hag has learned to lean and trust heavily on his team members, whether they be bus drivers, stage hands, musicians, and/or family and friends. He relaxed on his bus while the team put the SoJo stage together and even handled a sound check in his stead, at least until he was told he was needed on stage.

Many musicians shut the crowds out during sound checks, but Merle Haggard seemed comfortable with people watching while working all around him. And it’s a good thing, too. The Southern Junction staff was busy adding tables and chairs to the usually-packed dance floor, because this was a beyond-sold-out show.

Going back to his bus, Merle stopped to sign a hat and have his picture snapped with, among other people, Big Gus Samuelson, the leader of the swampatonk band, Swampadelic.

That done, Swampadelic got their sound check in before the doors opened. Big Gus on guitar, vocals, and also the songwriter; Bill Sallee on bass; Thad Moore on drums; and Greg Waits on trombone opened the show about 7:30 p.m., giving the crowd a great start on the evening. Merle’s keyboard player, Floyd Domino (formerly with Asleep At The Wheel), sat in with them for the last two songs.

The Merle Haggard band, The Strangers, played a couple of songs before he got on stage, and then when he did, more magic lighted up the room. The man sang many of his numerous hits — there wasn’t time to sing them all — and gave accolades to all his band members. The only thing missed were a couple of fiddle tunes from the master himself, although his fiddler did a bang-up good job on the side.

News went out that there would not be a chance for autographs and meet-and-greet type activities, when one woman asked if there was any possibility he would sign one of his shirts for a cancer charity auction, being held the next Saturday night. One of Haggard’s entourage said he would try to get that one to happen. He took the shirt, and waited on the bus with Merle until he could (the Good Samaritan related) settle down from the show, cool off, and then sign it. Merle Haggard signed both the front and the back, and it made its way back to the requestor. That just seems to be the kind of people The Hag surrounds himself with, and that he is himself — generous and kind and giving.

Bring ’em back, SoJo  — the crowd will be back for him!

For Merle Haggard & The Strangers pix, click here

For Big Gus & Swampadelic pix, click here

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Category: *- Features, Southern Junction