Brandi Carliles inaugural Girls Just Wanna Weekend wrapped up this week in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Curated by the Washington state native, the festival was far from a simple string of concerts. Carlile, whose By the Way, I Forgive You album scored her six nominations at this Sundays Grammy Awards, took pains to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
To that end, Carlile hosted Brandioke, where artists, fans and even her niece interpreted Carliles songs; donned hair-metal wigs and bandannas to stage an Eighties tribute night called Ladies of the Eighties; and welcomed surprise guests like Anderson East and Mavis Staples, who filled in for an unable-to-attend Margo Price.
One of my favorite things about this weekend is that @andersoneast came all the way to the festival JUST to be a proper feminist and show his support for all of us! We wound up singing just like we always do- SWOON Thank you my friend- youre as good as it gets @justwannaweekend Photo @petesouza
@rubyamanfu set the night on fire when she sang like a prayerfor the 80s set!! But her gorgeous voice was ubiquitous this weekend- Ruby your spirit was everywhere. Thank you my friend! @justwannaweekend
Carlile also duetted with Maren Morris, premiering their new collaboration Common, and cementing her friendship with Morris, a longtime fan. The first week I moved to Nashville, I went to Grimeys record store and Brandi had just released her album Bear Creek. It was the first thing I saw and picked it up. It was in my car for the next three years, Morris told Rolling Stone. When I met Brandi, I told her I bought your album and I was obsessed with you, and now were duetting.
Both Carlile and Morris are set to perform at the 61st annual Grammy Awards, airing Sunday on CBS.
Last night, @MarenMorris and @brandicarlile debuted a new song theyve done called Common on the setlist. It left the entire #girlsjustwannaweekend crowd in chills- absolutely stunning. Cant wait to hear the studio version!! pic.twitter.com/rZPu11RN0E
Peter Zimmerman (@peterzimmerman) February 2, 2019
People! @marenmorris is my GIRL!! I mean look at us! Were an odd couple but were quickly becoming soul mates I was witness to Marens talent and power this weekend and Im better for it. I hung out with her rad parents and her absolute prince of a husband (donor material ) @ryanhurd who also got up and sang beautifully. Mostly folks look out- Marens leading the way and Im following. Thank you for doing this festival and throwing down the party with your shoes off and your heart on your sleeve. Photo @petesouza