Willie, Lukas, and Micah Nelson Offer Hope With Moving “Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)” Performance

At a moment when the world desperately needed reassurance, the Nelson family delivered it through music. On March 19, during the remote ‘Til Further Notice virtual concert, Lukas Nelson joined his father, Willie Nelson, and his brother, Micah Nelson, for a tender and timely performance of “Turn Off the News (Build a Garden).” Their stripped-down rendition radiated unity and calm, offering comfort during the early days of global quarantine.

A Family Gathered in Song

Lukas — the frontman of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real — sat alongside his father and younger brother in a quiet half-circle, each holding a guitar. The setting was intimate and unadorned, reflecting a moment of stillness amid worldwide uncertainty. Micah added gentle harmonies while Lukas led with a warm, steady vocal.

The song’s central message felt especially powerful:

“Turn off the news and build a garden
Just my neighborhood and me
We might feel a bit less hardened
We might feel a bit more free.”

The performance carried a reminder to reconnect with what truly matters: community, nature, and peace.

Lukas later shared, “Even if you don’t have your own physical garden right now, I hope you will join us, close your eyes and find the garden in your mind.”

A Song With Purpose — and New Beginnings

Originally released as the title track of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s 2019 album, “Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)” became a beacon of hope during the early pandemic. Lukas has described the song as foundational to the band’s creative direction, ultimately laying the groundwork for their follow-up release, Naked Garden, which debuted on March 27, 2020.

The live, family-style performance showed how music can soften fear and draw people together — even when the world feels divided or distant.

‘Til Further Notice: A Virtual Stand-In for Luck Reunion

The performance aired on the same day Willie Nelson was originally scheduled to host his beloved Luck Reunion, the annual festival held at his ranch in Luck, Texas. When COVID-19 forced its cancellation, artists rallied to create ‘Til Further Notice, a livestreamed event that preserved the festival’s spirit.

A wide array of musicians — including Neil Young, Lucinda Williams, Margo Price, and Randy Houser — joined the virtual lineup, sending songs from living rooms, barns, and home studios to fans around the world. While nothing could replicate the energy of gathering in person, the digital festival became a symbol of resilience in a rapidly changing world.

A Moment of Calm Amid the Chaos

In early 2020, the global music landscape came to an abrupt halt. Concerts, festivals, and tours across the world were suddenly postponed or canceled, including RodeoHouston, C2C Festival, SXSW, Luck Reunion, and dozens more. Stages went dark, crowds stayed home, and artists scrambled to find new ways to reach their audiences.

Within that silence, the Nelsons’ performance felt like a lifeline — a quiet reminder that healing begins with grounding ourselves in simplicity, compassion, and creativity.

By coming together through song, Willie, Lukas, and Micah offered more than entertainment. They gave listeners a brief escape, a breath of hope, and a reminder that even in the hardest times, there is beauty to be found in building our own “gardens,” whether in the backyard or within the heart.