Willie Nile Debuts on the Floating Stage

New York Native, and nationally touring musician, Willie Nile will be performing on the Floating Stage this Saturday, July 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The New York Times called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” Uncut Magazine called him “A one-man Clash.” His album Streets Of New York was hailed as “a platter for the ages” by Uncut. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as one of the “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC Radio called it “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.” His single from that album, “One Guitar,” was the “Top Pick of the Week” in USA Today.

Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his praises.

His album, American Ride, won “Best Rock Album of the Year” at the Independent Music Awards. It appeared on dozens of year-end Top Ten lists for 2013 and was voted “Album Of The Year” at Twangville Magazine. Bono called it, “One of the great guides to unraveling the mystery that is the troubled beauty of America.”

In November 2014 he released a new album of piano-based songs, If I Was A River, to great critical acclaim. “One of the most brilliant singer-songwriters of the past thirty years” said The New Yorker. Uncut called him “the unofficial poet laureate of New York City.”

MOJO wrote about his 2016 album World War Willie, “Four Stars! The real thing…stomp-‘til-ready rock’n’roll…timeless fare.” It won Album of the Year Reader’s Poll from Twangville Magazine and made numerous top ten lists for album of the year.

Willie has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. As the induction program from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame says: “His live performances are legendary.” His 2020 album New York At Night got rave reviews, with Downbeat calling it a “sonic love letter to Gotham.”

His new studio album The Day The Earth Stood Still, which features a duet with Steve Earle on the song “Blood On Your Hands.” will be released on Aug 13, 2021..

The concert will begin promptly at 6:30, and Willie will be performing a 2 hour and 15-minute set, with no intermission. Don’t miss out!

While the committee is excited to offer these free concerts this summer, residents should remain vigilant to the threat of COVID-19. To successfully continue the summer concert series, residents and guests are asked to follow CDC and DOH guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. To that end, the city will provide hand-washing stations at each of the summer concerts.  Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or is included in a higher risk population are encouraged to keep their health and the health of their fellow residents as their primary interest and not attend.

The 2021 City of Lock Haven’s Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Bear Country Radio WQBR, Lock Haven Express, The Record, Clinton County, Clinton County Arts Council, Clinton County Community Foundation, Clinton County Economic Partnership & Visitor’s Bureau, Terrapin, Avis Building Supply, Bechdel Plumbing & HVAC, Cross Life Ventures, Curt’s Smokin Ribs, Dotterer Equipment Inc., First Quality, Horizon Federal Credit Union, Kliney’s Home Furnishings, Lock Haven Eagles Aerie #4298, Mid-Atlantic Marketing Group, Miller Brother’s Auto Sales, Muncy Bank & Trust Company, Pizza City, River Valley Internet, Sweet Dreams Groom & Board, UPMC Lock Haven, and Weis Markets.

Schedules are available at the concerts while supplies last. To learn more about the 2021 Summer Concert Series, check the City of Lock Haven’s website at www.lockhavenpa.gov.