HAAM’s Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2023: A Night of Music and Community Support for Austin Musicians
As the cost of living in Austin, Texas continues to rise, the city’s vibrant music scene faces increasing challenges. With over 8,000 musicians in the greater Austin area, many struggle to afford basic necessities, including healthcare.
Fortunately, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) provides a lifeline for over 3,000 local musicians, offering comprehensive healthcare services, including dental, vision, hearing, wellness, and highly trained healthcare navigators for those in need. HAAM’s support is life-changing, helping musicians stay in Austin, pursue their careers, and play the music we all love.
Support for Local, Austin, Texas Musicians
Since 2005, HAAM has helped over 6,000 members access more than $123 million in healthcare services. Donations are crucial to HAAM to continue serving and expanding support to musicians in Austin.
One of the biggest fundraising events for HAAM is the annual Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash, with live music from Ray Benson and Asleep At the Wheel, along with special guests. Past musical guests have included George Strait, Willie Nelson, the Avett Brothers, Delbert McClinton, Chris Schiflett, Randy Rogers, and Wade Bowen, among others. The bash has been a long-standing Austin tradition, unofficially kicking off the annual SXSW Music Festival.
Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash
2023 Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash with The Shootouts, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel – Austin, TexasNearly 1500 music lovers and HAAM supporters were treated to an exclusive and intimate night of music at the invite-only 2023 Ray Benson Birthday Bash on Tuesday, March 14, hosted at GSD&M’s backyard. The event featured diverse food and drink options and a buffet with finger sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, appetizers, and desserts such as cookies, lemon bars, and brownies.
2023 Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash Lineup
Tori Baltierra, Sophia Baltierra, and Tiffany Baltierra from The Tiarras Perform at Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2023The Tiarras kicked off the evening with a lively and eclectic performance, followed by the birthday boy, Ray Benson, and his western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, playing classics like “Route 66”, “Miles and Miles of Texas,” and “Boogie Back to Texas.” Impressive musical talents The Shootouts, William Beckmann, and Willis Alan Ramsey joined Benson on stage.
Spoon at Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2023 – Britt Daniel, Gerardo Larios, Alex FischelHAAM announced a surprise performance by an Austin-based, Grammy-nominated band, leaving the crowd in suspense until the last set when emcees CBS Austin’s Trevor Scott and Chelsey Hernandez introduced the band Spoon to a roar of cheers. The spirited Sabrina Ellis from A Giant Dog and Sweet Spirit accompanied Spoon as a guest.
Austin Skyline at Night – 2023 Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash at GSD&M’s BackyardThe illuminated Austin skyline served as the perfect backdrop for the event, making the evening a fantastic way to enjoy Austin, Texas music and support local musicians.
Rachel K. Belkin with Lenny Krasnow at HAAM’s Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2023 for Austin MusiciansHAAM Fundraising
Britt Daniel and Gerardo Larios from Spoon and Sabrina Ellis from A Giant Dog and Sweet Spirit Perform at Ray Benson’s Birthday BashDonations, auction items, and sponsorships helped raise over $260,000 from the evening, highlighting the tremendous support and love for Austin’s music community.
For donor, sponsorship, and ticket information for future HAAM events, please visit www.myhaam.org.
Britt Daniel from Spoon and Sabrina Ellis from A Giant Dog and Sweet Spirit Perform at Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash
Britt Daniel – Spoon at Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2023
The Tiarras at Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2023 – Sophia Baltierra
Tori Baltierra – The Tiarras at Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash in Austin, TexasFor media and press coverage in the Austin area and nationwide, contact Rachel K. Belkin.
Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed is an Austin, Texas blogger, entrepreneur, speaker, freelance writer, and educator. After selling her lifestyle blog for six figures in 2021, she teaches business, blogging, and influencer marketing strategies that helped her build her business on part-time hours. Bylines include MSN, Associated Press, HuffPost, Medium, NewsBreak, and Hometalk. She has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, CBS Austin, and other news and media outlets.
