Willie Nelson Set To Perform A Virtual Concert For Ray Benson

Because of current COVID-19 restrictions affecting the live music scene, Ray Benson and his birthday bash in Austin has been moved to a virtual venue for its 2020 run. Set to air on Saturday, May 16, 8 PM CT, the said event will feature acts like Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, and a prime group of roots and country artists – benefitting the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.

Other performers include Kat Edmonson, Randy Rogers, David Beck’s Tejano Weekend, Tami Neilson, Seth James, Randy Houser, Buddy Miller, Wade Bowen, Micky and Cody Braun, Brennen Leigh, and Raul Malo, with a few more blurred out names to be announced as the event nears. The said performances will be streamed on Asleep at the Wheel’s Youtube and Facebook accounts, along with Health Alliance for Austin Musician’s Facebook page.

In an email, Benson wrote, “We had some unfinished business from the SXSW cancellation — we didn’t get to do my annual birthday party fundraiser for HAAM. I decided to start texting and emailing my friends about doing a song and the great folks at Central Market/HEB here in Texas gave us the support to do this fundraiser virtually. We want to make sure that HAAM have the funds they need so that our Austin musicians have the health insurance and care they need and deserve, especially during these unprecedented times.”

Benson was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and going public with the announcement – which never progressed from the mild stage. By April 7, he posted a video on Facebook stating that he’s fully recuperated and good to go.