RAY BENSON'S 75th BIRTHDAY BASH

Ray Benson’s 75th 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. This year’s bash was the final Bash with Ray Benson at the helm. Thank you for celebrating with us!

Through the generosity of all of the attendees, sponsors, and donors, this years event helped us raise a record-breaking $413,000 in support of keeping music in Austin alive and well! The monies raised equate to over $2.8 million worth of healthcare services for th 3,300+ musicians HAAM serves annually. 

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 direct healthcare services for Austin's working musicians. That's a legacy worth celebrating. 

There are only two ways to guarantee your invitation to the 2027 event, hosted by Hayes Carll and the Band of Heathens:

1. Become a Pearl Society Member - Join Here!

2. Become a 2027 Sponsor  -  Email Matthew Alvarado at matthew@myhaam.org for more information.

2026 Event Highlights

EMCEES
Trevor Scott - CBS Austin
Sierra Waggoner - CBS Austin