This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Tony Holiday was thrilled — but surprised — when he was asked to open Willie Nelson's sold-out show at Red Butte Garden on Thursday, July 28.

After all, the harmonica player and South Jordan native is a die-hard blues musician. "I thought there would be a better fit," Holiday, 33, said. "But I guess country is part of the blues."

He feels a connection to the country legend, who has amassed dozens of singing and songwriting awards during the past six decades.

When Holiday started playing the harmonica about three years ago —after years of playing guitar — he contacted several professional harmonica players for advice. One particularly kind mentor was Nelson's harmonica player, Mickey Rafael, who encouraged the Utah musician to follow the "less is more" mantra.

"And he told me to try to do a lot melodically with fewer notes," Holiday said. "I've always kept that with me."

Holiday has been called one of the up-and-coming harp players to watch, yet he still feels like he has a lot to learn on the harmonica. He takes lessons and practices four to six hours a day. "The guitar is an extension of myself," he said, "but with the harmonica I wake up in the middle of the night."

Blues fans in Utah are familiar with his band: Tony Holiday and the Velvetones, named 2016 Best Blues Band in the City Weekly Music Awards. The group, which also includes Lanny Stone on lead guitar, Joel Meza on drums and Gordon Greenwood on bass, tours the country seven to eight months year and has a European tour in the works. Soon the group will change its name to the Tony Holiday and Lanny Stone Band, a nod to Stone's longevity, Holiday said.

On Thursday, Red Butte fans will hear just Holiday and Stone in a stripped-down set performing their original blues music. "We'll stick with what we know, " said Holiday, a self-described "fanatic" of classic country music, of which Nelson is the king.

"I've been listening to Willie my whole life," he said. "He's a major deal to me."

In fact, on his wedding day, Holiday danced with his mother to Nelson's hit "Always on My Mind."

Holiday said there probably aren't many chances left to play with the 83-year-old Red-Headed Stranger, especially considering that many of his contemporaries, including Merle Haggard, have passed away in recent years. "He's one of those people who sat down with Elvis and Jimi Hendrix and U.S. presidents," said Holiday. "I hope he lives to be 100."

When • Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Where • Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City

Tickets • Sold out; redbuttegarden.org/willie-nelson —

Willie and Family at Red Butte

Country music legend Willie Nelson performs. Utah blues musicians Tony Holiday and Lanny Stone open.

When • Thursday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.

Where • Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City