(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The New York Times once called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years." Jersey City based artist Debra Devi will open the night.
Uncut Magazine called him “A one-man Clash” and “the unofficial poet laureate of New York City”. His album Streets Of New York was hailed as “a platter for the ages” by Uncut. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as one of the “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC Radio called it “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.” His single from that album, “One Guitar,” was the “Top Pick of the Week” in USA Today.
Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his praises.
Tickets are $39.40 and available for purchase online. The show takes place at the First Congregational Church of Montclair (40 S Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair, New Jersey.
Willie's last album, The Great Yellow Light, was released in 2025. It is the 21st long-playing release of his legendary career and continues to add to a catalog that has been praised with each new record.
His album, American Ride, won “Best Rock Album of the Year” at the Independent Music Awards. It appeared on dozens of year-end Top Ten lists for 2013 and was voted “Album Of The Year” by Twangville Magazine. Bono called it, “One of the great guides to unraveling the mystery that is the troubled beauty of America.” In November 2014 he released an album of piano-based songs, If I Was A River, to great critical acclaim.
MOJO wrote about his 2016 album World War Willie, “Four Stars! The real thing…stomp-‘til-ready rock’n’roll…timeless fare.” It won Album of the Year Reader’s Poll from Twangville Magazine and made numerous top ten lists for Album of the Year.
His album Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan from 2017 was hailed as “one of the best Dylan tribute albums ever made.” Powerpop Magazine wrote: “Astoundingly great…must be heard to be believed. If this doesn’t get your blood flowing, seek medical help.” And the Associated Press said his 2018 album Children Of Paradise, which also won Twangville’s Album of the Year Reader’s Poll, “Might be the best album of his career!”
Debra Devi blends soulful vocals with soaring guitar work that’s earned her comparisons to Sheryl Crow and Samantha Fish. The Jersey Journal calls her "Hudson County's answer to Susan Tedeschi--a thoughtful singer-songwriter and charismatic performer." JamBase praises Devi's "hauntingly memorable songs." Her live EP Jamification Station Vol. 1 hit #5 on the Relix/Jambands.com radio chart.
Based in Jersey City, Devi plays festivals from Montana to Florida, and has opened for Fantastic Cat, Jesse Malin, Ana Popovic, Marshall Crenshaw, and Joan Osborne. She's the author of The Language of the Blues (foreword by Dr. John).
Outpost in the Burbs is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music and volunteerism. For over 38 years, the Outpost has presented concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, The Jayhawks, Nick Lowe, and Dar Williams as well as supporting emerging and local artists.
In addition to presenting concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated their time through programs affiliated with Toys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair, MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), and a Community Food Program run by Outpost volunteers in Orange, NJ. The Outpost has also supported local students with a monetary gift to a graduating music student at Montclair High School as well as mentoring students from Montclair State University’s ‘Hawk Communications’ class.
