Lone Star musicians raise their voices for tsunami aid
From sold-out tickets to bartenders' tips, all will go to help victims.
Tsunami Relief: Austin to South Asia concert photos
By Michael Corcoran
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, January 10, 2005
Tragedy often brings people together, and on Sunday night key members of the Austin music scene united to raise money for victims of the recent disaster in South Asia. With a stellar lineup of Willie Nelson, Patty Griffin, Joe Ely, Spoon and more, the Tsunami Relief: Austin For South Asia concert at the Austin Music Hall sold out in less than six hours Tuesday.
Even as the night's music, aided by a spectacular surprise appearance by Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, kept the crowd euphoric, the reason for the concert was foremost in the minds of entertainers and fans.
"We would've probably bought tickets anyway, just to help out," said Trini Bousquet of Round Rock, who lined up nearly three hours before showtime. "But with Willie Nelson playing, this is like a wonderful bonus."
Unlike many benefits, where the acts leave after their sets, the stars stayed for the entire concert and watched the show from the wings, where the minglers included Nelson-backed former presidential candidate Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Liz Carpenter.
Maines sang the No. 1 hit "Travelin' Soldier" with Bruce Robison, who wrote the tune, did a duet with Griffin and belted out "Settle For Love" with Ely. Another unannounced guest, Ruben Ramos, joined Alejandro Escovedo on the ballad "Thirteen Years," which Ramos sang on the "Por Vida" tribute-benefit album for Escovedo, who has battled hepatitis C.
"I've learned firsthand how the outpouring of compassion can help heal," Escovedo said backstage.
Griffin, who would have stolen a lesser bill, said she instantly agreed to do the show when contacted by organizer Michael Hall.
"What happened just raises awareness for people in need all over the world and in our own country, as well," the Hyde Park resident said before performing.
The acts all donated their talents, and most production workers, many of whom put in a 16-hour day, didn't receive pay.
"One hundred percent of the proceeds are going to the charities," Hall said. A pair of underwriters, who wished to remain anonymous, paid incidental expenses. Ticket sales from the concert raised $67,000, plus organizers staffed a phone bank to take in other donations.
The show, organized in less than a week, opened with a prayer circle by Arizona's Salt River and Gila River Native American Church, whose members drove to Austin to perform the blessing.
Nelson, with his band and teenage sons Lukas and Micah, deviated from his usual opener with "Promiseland." Then came the trademark guitar riff that launched "Whiskey River" and the crowd into delirium.
A DVD of the concert should be out within a month, said local producer Ray Guy.
photos : statesman.com |
