Everyone has seen the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” but not everyone has lived it. Country artist and former Black Hawk Aviator, Ryan Weaver’s real life experiences parallel the well-known heart wrenching story. As a two-time gold star family member after losing both of his brothers in combat, Weaver uses his platform as an artist to share his story. He is currently captivating audiences across the nation touring arenas with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).

Our journey through day three of Outside Lands began with a heartfelt performance on the main stage from the original queen of soul and gospel music, Mavis Staples. Her set was packed with so many songs that have helped her career take flight throughout the years such as “Build A Bridge,” “Change,” and “We Get By” but her performance was about so much more than just hearing her hits, the ambiance of her performance was electrifying and the 80-year-old Staples simply put on a clinic on how music keeps us all young.

It had been almost two weeks since I even touched my phone. I was off the grid, an indulgence of a long-awaited vacation. Honestly, I had not missed being online at all, only wondering once what I might be missing. I knew CATS was playing Lockn’. Maybe Neal had posted something. My husband, on the other hand, has the kind of job that never allows for a complete disconnect, which makes for a maddening lack of freedom, but does ensure we never miss anything important.