Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-06-14
Alison Krauss & Union Station | Shipshewana, Indiana | photos by Dan Ward
Storm clouds are gathering over Shipshewana, Indiana, tonight, but it is cool and dry inside the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. Fans have packed the venue to capacity for two nights of fantastic music from Alison Krauss and Union Station. The sold-out shows don’t leave an empty seat as Theo Lawrence warms up the crowd.
Theo comes to us from Austin, Texas, by way of France. The talented young singer looks right at home on the big stage and wows the crowd from the start with his own tune, “Chérie.” He immediately lightens the mood with a love song of sorts, “I Love You, Bartender,” which rings true for many of us.
Theo’s voice is clear and soothing, making each song feel like a ballad aimed directly at the listener. He sings “Lips of Fire,” “Pretty Bird,” and “How Do I Learn to Lose” with a quiet intensity that captivates the audience. He also performs a soulful cover of Waylon Jennings’ “That’s What You Get for Loving Me” to rousing applause.
His self-deprecation and soft Texas drawl make him an approachable artist. People line up after his set just to shake his hand and say hello. He closes with two of his own songs, “I’ll Never Dream Again” and the dreamlike “Lonely Too Long.” He has won many new fans tonight while reaffirming his place as a rising star among those already familiar with his music.
A 30-minute intermission is required to transform the Blue Gate stage into the “Arcadia” theater for Alison Krauss and Union Station. The transformation is very effective, with a large marquee suspended above the stage and a changing video backdrop transporting the audience to various settings that complement the music.
Union Station jumps right into the action with a burning trio: “Goodbye Is All We Have” and “Granite Mills,” followed by a rip-roaring instrumental. Union Station looks great tonight, with Russell Moore up front and in fine voice. The always lovely, dark-eyed Alison Krauss is as perfect as a picture. One could hardly believe the amount of fiddling and singing Alison performs without ever having a hair out of place.
This tour is a retrospective of the band’s long history, featuring tunes the audience knows and loves. The set has been designed to bring us all along on this journey, and the crowd reacts as expected. As Alison delivers “Every Time You Say Goodbye,” the fans swoon, her voice like a warm blanket on a cold night.
Alison introduces longtime banjo and guitar player and talented writer Ron Block to the crowd, and then they play one of his tunes, “The Lucky One.” We are truly the lucky ones, as next up is the longtime favorite “Ghost in This House,” which is simply beautiful.
The band favors us with a sweet rendition of Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” and then Alison introduces another longtime band member, Jerry Douglas. Jerry has been playing dobro for so long that he is sought after by many bands, and he shows off his talent as the rest of the group takes a break. His fingers and slide move magically across the fretboard as he gives us a taste of his pure mastery.
After Jerry finishes, Union Station brings more heat with “Dust Bowl Children,” Russell’s voice ringing out as he spins the mournful tale.
Alison continues introducing the band with its youngest member, Jacob Burleson, son of Jason Burleson of Blue Highway. The talented multi-instrumentalist seamlessly transitions from mandolin to guitar and looks right at home with the band despite his young age. The group plays “Lie Awake” and “The Hangman,” both received enthusiastically by the fans.
Alison introduces Barry Bales, the band’s talented bass player and songwriter, who has been with the group for 36 years. The band is in full swing now, sending out “One Ray of Shine.”
The night is filled with memories and amazing instrumentals as Union Station fills the room with song. Alison Krauss and Union Station have played music together for 39 years. Hopefully, this tour is a prelude to a 40th anniversary tour in 2027. Until then, get out to see Arcadia. It is a night to remember and enjoy.
