Wild Willy plays at Buckaroo's

Will Strickland brings his special style of entertainment to Buckaroo's Saloon tonight.

Strickland, also known as Wild Willy, plays guitar and keyboards, but doesn't describe himself as a one-man band.

"The main thing is that I've been called by my friend Lacy J. Dalton as the world's fastest song writer. I write things on the spot," he said.

Strickland lives in Virginia Highlands and plays dates with Dalton at Piper's Opera House. He said he's played in just about every place to be played in Virginia City - Silver Dollar Saloon, Bucket of Blood Saloon. Strickland sings classic country, outlaw country, Sinatra, Stevie Ray Vaughn and is known for his Johnny Cash tribute.

"Cash cut through all the baloney. He got down to basics," he said. "I could do his voice since I was kid. I sing songs with a Johnny Cash voice - I do Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' as Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin does Johnny Cash. I can do a song and Bob Dylan or Willie Nelson will butt in spontaneously.

"I start singing and it takes off. Fun is a big part of the show," Strickland said. "I used to be hell-bent to change the world. Now I want people to feel good."

Wild Willy Strickland plays 8 p.m. to midnight at Buckaroo's Saloon, 1435 Highway 395, Gardnerville. No cover charge. Information, 782-9693.