Singer/songwriter Steve Earle is one of the truest voices we’ve got—not only is his vocal instrument a source of depth and honesty, but when he speaks you know he wouldn’t bother saying anything he didn’t believe. Earle believed in Townes Van Zandt—Earle’s first son is named Justin Townes Earle—and he proved it yesterday afternoon on KEXP with a terrific in-studio performance and interview with DJ El Toro (aka Kurt Reighley, an old colleague of mine from our days at Seattle Weekly).

Earle often speaks of his respect and admiration for his late friend, a fellow Texas musician whose own unencumbered folk songs (“To Live Is To Fly” was always my favorite) inspired everyone but himself: Van Zandt died in 1997 after years of drowning his lack of self-faith in substance abuse.

Earle will salute Van Zandt again with a free performance at Queen Anne’s Easy Street Records, where he’ll sing songs from his tribute album, Townes, tonight at 6 pm.

Expect it to be crowded—and prepare to understand why: When Earle is moved by something (he’s an uncompromising political activist as well) you can’t help but listen. There’s nothing plastic or posed about him. That’s something rare enough these days. To get it for free is even more special.