Donna and I, along with friends Patty and Jack, had the rare occasion on Sept. 29 to see Kris Kristofferson join Merle Haggard and the Strangers (featuring Ben Haggard on lead guitar) for a wonderful concert showcasing the careers of two icons, both in their mid-70s. Merle, who has just released an album of new songs, continues to be in fine voice and is still a capable player. He reeled off about 15 songs himself including "Working Man's Blues," "If We Make It Through December," and of course "Mama Tried" and "Okie From Muskogee." He also sang Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." The gravely voiced Kris thrilled the crowd with some of his legendary tunes such as "Me & Bobby McGee," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "The Pilgrim: Chapter 33," and "Help Me Make It Though the Night." Kris also sang Merle's "Sing Me Back Home" and the duo shared lyrics on Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho and Lefty." Not having a photo credential, I only clicked off a few photos with a little point-and-shoot camera from our seats. So while the images are not so good, you get the idea. Photos by Alan Sheckter.