'A Night For Austin': Willie Nelson is 'crushing it', say fans after watching the country icon perform
'A Night For Austin', the live stream benefit concert is getting much love. The special event was announced by Willie Nelson and Paul Simon on June 8 and kicked off on June 10 at 9 pm ET, airing on CBS Austin, Austin City Limits Radio and KOKE FM.
Boasting a star-studded line-up of some of Austin's best, including Nelson and Simon themselves, Nelson's wife, Annie, Simon and Edie Brickell, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and Boz Scaggs, Jerry Douglas, Norah Jones, Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., Britt Daniel, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Charlie Sexton with Doyle Bramhall II, and more. The who's who of Austin-linked film icons like Ethan Hawke, Owen Wilson, Renee Zellweger and Woody Harrelson also featured on the live stream concert.
The benefit, produced by Nelson’s Luck Productions, is raising money for Austin Community Foundation’s fund, HAMM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), Southern Smoke Foundation, People Fund, Central Texas Food Bank, Six Square, and Red River Cultural District via a virtual tip jar.
During the announcement, Luck Productions co-founder Matt Bizer said of 'A Night for Austin', "We were incredibly honored and excited that Paul Simon and his team tapped Luck to produce this event and to benefit our own community of Austin. It means a lot for us to be able to support this community that has always inspired and provided for us and we are excited to be doing it alongside an amazing group of talented individuals, organizations, artists who themselves represent the unique fabric and soul that makes Austin our home."
Those who viewed the spectacular show are thrilled over the performances, especially from Willie Nelson. "I feel like this quarantine has aged us all at about a 4X rate....except for @WillieNelson. He is crushing it on all of these live streams," said a fan while another wrote, "Solid song choice from @willienelson to wrap #ANightForAustin." One fan shared, "Seriously, Austin has statues of Stevie ray vaughn and willie Nelson. American treasures."
Apart from enjoying some solid music, fans are also appreciating the concert's fundraising efforts. "#ANightForAustin Willie Nelson!! On the Road Again! What a way to end the evening! Over $525K raised for Austin musicians and vendors!" wrote a fan. Another said, "So great. Nearly a half a million dollars donated to musicians so far. Live on CBS Austin and Austin City Limits radio (online streaming) until 10:00 pm. Willie Nelson, Paul Simon lead all-star musical lineup for 'A Night For Austin' fundraiser." One fan shared, "Watching #ANightforAustin makes me miss being out hearing music live in #Austin. Thanks to all the musicians, celebrities and @cbsaustin for airing all this amazing music from homes & empty Austin Landmark Clubs and for raising for Austin Community Foundation and @myhaam."
All funds raised will go to six essential non-profits:
• The Central Texas Food Bank
• The Health Alliance for Austin Musician (HAAM) and specifically for its Basic Needs Assistance
• MusiCares, providing financial, medical, and emergency support for musicians and music industry professionals.
• PeopleFund, supporting local small businesses through loans
• The Red River Cultural District.
• Six Square, supporting artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs of color
• Southern Smoke Foundation, supporting staff in the bar and restaurant industry
Donations can be made on the official website here.