RAY BENSON'S 75th BIRTHDAY BASH

Save the date for Tuesday, March 17, 2026!

Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash has been a long standing tradition, unofficially kicking off festival season in Austin. You won’t want to miss the 2026 event,
as it will be the final Birthday Bash with Ray Benson at the helm. Celebrate with us!
Guests at this invite-only event will enjoy live music from Ray Benson and Asleep At the Wheel and friends, as well as local, emerging artists, while enjoying complimentary cocktails and bites. The night also includes an exclusive pre-party, onsite activations, and a stellar silent auction with live music experiences, local adventures, unique memorabilia, and more!
Secure your chance to share an intimate night with Ray Benson and his legendary musical friends.

There are only two ways to guarantee your invitation to the 2026 Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash:

Sign Up To Sponsor - View 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a Pearl Society member

Email Matthew Alvarado at matthew@myhaam.org for more information.

Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash 2025 Raises $305,648 for HAAM!

Ray Benson's Annual Birthday Bash this year was once again a can't-miss show with incredible music and tributes to Ray for his creativity and commitment to local musicians, and steadfast leadership and instrumental support for HAAM since our founding in 2005.

Over 1,400 attendees joined us to celebrate one of HAAM's founding board members, thank our past and present board members as well as former CEO Reenie Collins, and pay tribute to all of the musicians, donors, staff, and volunteers who’ve made HAAM the most trusted music nonprofit over the last 20 years.

DJ KICKIT, Rochelle and the Sidewinders, Hayes & the Heathens, and Asleep at the Wheel (joined by special guests Cody Braun, Sam Seifert, Jake Worthington, Willi Carlisle, Jimmie Vaughan, and Steve Earle) kept the crowd going on a perfect spring night here in Austin, Texas. Through the generosity of all of the attendees, sponsors, and donors, the night's event helped us raise $305,648 in support of keeping music in Austin alive and well! These funds will directly help HAAM and its mission of providing access to affordable healthcare for Central Texas' working musicians. THANK YOU to the generous attendees, sponsors, and donors of Ray Benson’s Birthday bash who helped make this possible!