Ray Benson’s Annual Birthday Bash Raises Over $400,000
Ray Benson's 75th Birthday Bash was no ordinary birthday celebration. After over 20 years as the heart and soul of this event, 2026 marked Ray's final year as honoree, and you helped us send him off in true Austin style.
Through the generosity of all of the attendees, sponsors, and donors, Ray Benson's 75th Birthday Bash helped us raise over $400,000 (and counting) in support of keeping music in Austin alive and well—shattering our record-breaking goal of $335,000! Thank you to everyone who joined us to honor Ray as one of HAAM's founding board members, who helped launch this organization back in 2005. Over the years, Ray's Birthday Bash has raised over $2.5 million for HAAM—translating to more than $17.5 million in healthcare services for Austin's working musicians. That's a legacy worth celebrating.
Special thanks to our generous Tito’s Handmade Vodka and WoodNext Foundation, stage sponsors Areas USA and Big P's Wine Jamboree & Untamed J's Shots Saloon and Patrick & Judy Cantilo for making the night possible! And a heartfelt thank you to platinum sponsors Big Loud Texas for their support and GSD&M for opening their beautiful courtyard to us.DJ Tropicana Joe kicked us off spinning for our pre-party, The Soul Supporters and GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum trio Los Lonely Boys brought the energy before Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel and friends took the stage.
Special guests onstage this year featured:
Four-time GRAMMY® nominated Stanley Jordan
GRAMMY® nominated accordion player Josh Baca
American country music artist Rick Trevino
Renowned Austin blues legend Jimmy Vaughn
Multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of Old Crow Medicine Show Ketch Secor
Mayor Kirk Watson presenting a proclamation from the City of Austin
Texas Music Office Director Chip Adams delivering a letter from the State of Texas
And while this chapter closes, the next one is already beginning—Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens will headline the Birthday Bash in 2027, carrying the torch to the next generation of artists supporting HAAM. Check out our Facebook page for photos and stay tuned for more!
Photos by Jake Rabin
Thank you to all our sponsors who provided sips all night: Tito's Handmade Vodka, Still Austin Whiskey Co., Dulce Vida Tequila, Milam and Greene Whiskey, Brown Distributing Co., Karbach Love Street, William Chris Wine, Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyards, JuiceLand, Best Day Brewing, Rambler Sparkling Water, Bud Light, Budweiser, McConauhaze IPA, Michelob Ultra, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Topo Chico, Coca-Cola, and Music Water.
Thank you to bespoke food, Central Market, Happy Chicks, and Schlotzsky’s for the bites, and to H-E-B /Favor Delivery for the floral arrangements! Check out our event page for our full list of incredible sponsors who generously donated to HAAM!
Celebrate Ray with HAAM Merch!
Shop our official HAAM merch and help us celebrate Ray Benson's 75th birthday all month long. Use code HAPPYBIRTHDAYRAY2026 for 20% off your entire order throughout March (valid 3/1/26-3/31/26)!
From our classic HAAM Logo collection to exclusive event swag, and more, you can show support for HAAM and help keep Austin the live music capital of the world! Shop now at myhaam.org/shop!
Use code HAPPYBIRTHDAYRAY2026 for 20% off your entire order!