Tuesday: Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at Circuit of the Americas. Austin’s pride and joy brings his historic Independence Day bash back to the edge-of-town racetrack’s amphitheater and plaza stages. Willie and his Family band should go on shortly before midnight, after performances by a cavalcade of compadres: Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Jamey Johnson, Steve Earle, Margo Price, Asleep at the Wheel, Turnpike Troubadours, Hayes Carll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Johnny Bush, Billy Joe Shaver, David Allan Coe, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Insects vs. Robots, Raelyn Nelson Band and Folk Uke. $39.50-$89.50. 11 a.m. gates; music begins at noon. — P.B.
INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: The definitive history of Willie Nelson’s Picnic
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df29N7MVshU&w=492&h=307]
Tuesday: Grateful Ball with Travelin’ McCourys and Jeff Austin Band at Empire. If you’re looking for a more modest Independence Day musical option than the Picnic, check out this fine alternative in the Red River District. Bluegrass legend Del McCoury’s songs have a great side-project going with the Travelin’ McCourys, and mandolin ace Jeff Austin will open the show with his band. Then both acts will merge for a final set of Grateful Dead songs. Might there be more weed found here than at Willie’s bash? $15. 6 p.m. doors. 606 E. Seventh St. empireatx.com. — P.B.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJJtFoO6qmo&w=492&h=307]
Wednesday: Texas Radio Live with John Inmon and Kevin Tubb at Guero’s. In the last weeks of his life, Jimmy LaFave often suggested onstage that his guitarist, John Inmon, should be in the Texas Music Hall of Fame. A pretty solid case can be made: Since starring in Jerry Jeff Walker’s Lost Gonzo Band during its 1970s heyday, Inmon has backed many of the city’s finest troubadours, from Steve Fromholz to Jimmie Dale Gilmore to Bruce Robison to Terri Hendrix and many more. Joining him on this night is Kevin Tubb, who recently made a new record with Inmon featured on guitar. They help lead Sun Radio’s weekly live-music show into a fine summer stretch that will include appearances by Scrappy Jud Newcomb (July 12), Monte Warden & the Dangerous Few (July 19), Giulia Millanta (July 26) and Jo Carol Pierce (Aug. 2). Free (donations accepted). 6 p.m. 1412 S. Congress Ave. gueros.com. — P.B.
RELATED: Jimmy LaFave’s friends rise to meet him at Paramount tribute concert
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12txngwMyyA&w=492&h=307]
Thursday: Diana Ross at ACL Live. Hot off a headline performance at New Orleans’ Essence Fest, the queen diva of Motown comes to Texas. Her current tour, dubbed “In the Name of Love,” celebrates a solid string of hits logged throughout her 40-year career. No, tickets are not cheap, but the 73-year-old former Supreme is a legitimate living legend. $70-$156 8 p.m. 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd acl-live.com — D.S.S.
ALSO PLAYING
Lukas Nelson, left, plays a sold-out show at Antone’s with his band Promise of the Real on Sunday before heading to Circuit of the Americas for his father Willie Nelson’s Picnic on Tuesday. Insects vs. Robots featuring Micah Nelson, right, also will play the Picnic. Contributed/Scott Henrichsen
Monday
- Gary Clark Jr., Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real at Antone’s (sold out)
- Strfkr, Reptaliens at Emo’s
- Band of Heathens, Jonathan Terrell at Threadgill’s South
- Lost Austin Band at the Townsend
- Mystery Monday with Christine Albert, Bill Kirchen and Jeff Plankenhorn at El Mercado Backstage
- Dale Watson, Peterson Brothers at Continental Club
- Burning Years, Gold Steps, Hating Nate at Mohawk indoor
Tuesday
- HAAM Benefit with Horti & the Horticulture Club, Harvest Thieves, Folk Rock Family Revival at Barracuda
- Soul Supporters at ABGB
- Guitar Legs, Toni Price at Continental Club
- Drakes, Hector Ward & the Big Time at One-2-One Bar
- Brad Stivers, Antone’s Big Trio at Antone’s
- Durawa at El Mercado Backstage
- Garner Sloan vinyl release at Saxon Pub
Wednesday
- James McMurtry, Matt the Electrician, William Harries Graham at Continental Club
- Roselit Bone at Cactus Cafe
- Albert & Gage at El Mercado Backstage
- Gene Taylor Trio with Chris Ruest, Tommy Shannon Blues Band, Bill Carter at Antone’s
- Ali Holder, Mignon Grabois at Saxon Pub
- Born Again Virgins, Kidlat Punch at Beerland
- Warren Hood at ABGB
- Elsa Cross at Blackheart
Thursday
- Mississippi Juke Joint Night Lightnin’ Malcolm, Stud Ford, Robert Kimbrough Sr. at Antone’s
- Hayes Carll at Saxon Pub
- Adrian Ruiz Quintet CD release at Elephant Room
- Graham Wilkinson & Katie Shore at Winflo
- Monte Warden & the Dangerous Few, Betty Soo, Jaimee Harris at Continental Gallery
- Unplugged at the Grove with Shane Smith & the Saints at Shady Grove
- Ralph White & Aaron Blount at Cactus Cafe
- Brickwaller, Hidden Indians, Solid State, Dream Suit at Sidewinder
