Brandi Carlile performed two guest-filled shows in Nashville this weekend featuring special appearances by Wynonna Judd, Lucius, Celisse, Katie Pruitt and Brittney Spencer. Members of Carlile’s family were also among those brought onstage at Ascend Amphitheater.
Lucius and Celisse were called in as last-minute replacements for the Indigo Girls, who were set to open the two-night stand but canceled due to COVID-19. Making up for the Indigo Girls’ absence, Saturday’s setlist featured a cover of their song “Virginia Woolf.” Over the two shows, Lucius’ Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig made several appearances, joining Carlile for a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock,” Carlile’s “You And Me On The Rock” and more. Carlile also came out during Lucius’ opening set to help sing “Dusty Trails.”
Celisse, whose supporting set on Friday was rained out, also sat in during both shows, including adding guitar to “Raise Hell,” plus covers of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Radiohead’s “Creep” and Heart’s “Alone.” Celisse was given a showcase at the start of Friday’s encore and was also part of the collaborations with Wynnona, who came out both Friday and Saturday night as well.
Judd, who will be joined by Carlile and others on a tour that was supposed to be The Judds final tour. Naomi Judd, Wynonna’s mother and bandmate, died by suicide earlier this year. Both shows at Ascend Amphitheater saw Wynnona come together with Carlile for The Judds’ favorites “Girls Night Out” and “Love Is Alive.” Carlile and her bandmates – “the twins” Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth – brought Wynonna out to serenade her with the emotionally packed “This Time Tomorrow.”
Friday’s encore began with Pruitt on board for “Mainstream Kid.” Saturday’s encore kicked off with Spencer among those joining in on The Highwomen’s sing-along “Crowded Table.” Carlile’s brother Jay Carlile, and his children, fiddler J.J. Carlile and guitarist Caroline Carlile, were summoned to join their relative on John Prine’s “Summer’s End.”
View Friday’s setlist here and Saturday’s setlist here. Watch audience-shot video highlights of the collaborations below:
