Billy Joe Shaver Tribute Takes Shape in Austin
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in restricted crowd size and travel, but a strong contingent of Austin, TX musical talent will be coming together for a socially-distanced Billy Joe Shaver tribute concert on Sunday, November 22nd at the city’s Long Center in an outdoor event.
Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, Nikki Lane, Shakey Graves, and Monte Warden will be performing in tribute to the songwriting Outlaw legend, while Charlie Sexton has stepped up to lead an all-star band and arrange the event. Additional “special guests” may also appear.
Called The Songs I Left Behind: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver, it is being produced by the Long Center, which has been holding a series of socially-distanced shows on the facility’s lawn in recent weeks featuring Hayes Carll, Jon Moreland, and others. The Luck Reunion has also stepped up to help with the effort, which produces events at Willie Nelson’s Luck, TX compound outside of Austin.
Crowd size will be very limited due to COVID-19, and available in socially-distanced square plots on the lawn that accommodate up to four guests. The concert is scheduled for 2:00 pm. For more information and tickets, visit The Long Center website. At the moment there is no information about plans to stream or capture the event for those who can’t attend, but stay tuned if this information becomes available.
Outlaw country legend Billy Joe Shaver died on Wednesday, October 28th after suffering a massive stroke on the morning of October 27th while in a rehabilitation facility. He was 81 years old. Born in Corsicana, TX, and growing up and residing near Waco, he was considered a seminal member of the Austin Outlaw country scene that emerged in the city during the 70’s.
November 20, 2020 @ 7:22 pm
They can’t wait a month until I’m going to be there visiting my daughter? Wish I could be there.
November 20, 2020 @ 9:09 pm
Press Release:
“The user account ‘Hey Arnold’ will be retired effective immediately. After over 2 years of commenting on SCM, the real Arnold is taking a break from social media and from following country music news extensively. Call it a hiatus or perhaps a farewell, that information hasn’t been fully enclosed.
In a prepared statement, Arnold stated, ‘Thanks for all the love and thumbs up throughout the years. I started out as a Troll and evolved into a beautiful butterfly for this site. I want to thank Kyle Coroneos for his patience with me. From being banned to my rise as a ‘Top 3 Commenter’ – I am greatful for everything he does for this website. Thank you to all’ ”
– Team Hey Arnold
November 21, 2020 @ 6:55 am
We do not support this move. There are a lot of classic commenters currently shirking their appearance commitments very similarly to the Opry. You can’t criticize Blake Shelton for his lack of appearances when you’re guilty of the same thing. We encourage you to think it over, Arnold.
November 21, 2020 @ 6:02 pm
Press Re-Release:
“WTF??”
– Team “Hey Arnold”
November 22, 2020 @ 7:07 am
How can we miss you if you won’t go away?
November 23, 2020 @ 7:26 am
Any allusion to the great Dan Hicks (intentional or not) is appreciated.
November 21, 2020 @ 2:23 pm
we’ll see you at the next Jon Pardi article.
November 21, 2020 @ 10:30 am
The greatest song writer and performer in the history of country music RIDE FOREVER IN HEAVEN BILLY JOE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE. GOD BLESS THIS COUNTRY AND STORYTELLERS OF THE TRUTH. THANK YOU YOU ALL
November 21, 2020 @ 5:53 pm
If I’m not mistaken, Vincent Neil Emerson will be performing.