The Road To Austin Concert Celebrates the Live Music Capital of the World

The Eyes of Texas and the world focus once more on Austin, Texas on May 19, as the city and music community celebrates "The Road to Austin," commemorating Austin's musical history and current designation as the Live Music Capital of the World.

The special event on Auditorium Shores is expected to draw twenty thousand people for "The Road To Austin" free concert featuring major and local artists with roots firmly embedded in the city. During the concert, singer/ songwriter/performer/activist Kris Kristofferson will receive the inaugural Texas Legends Award for his contributions to the culture and music scene in Texas and Austin in particular.

A premier of the documentary short, "The Road To Austin, Live Music Capital Of The World," directed by Gary Menotti ("Austin City Limits") will be shown on a towering 30' x 50' video screen and will intro the live performances. The documentary chronicles the history, characters, artists, pundits, and milestone events and venues that have propelled Austin to international status as the live music capital of the world.

Musical director and producer Stephen Bruton says of the ambitious event, "Every one of the artists who will perform on Saturday are representative of the best of what Austin has contributed to music and the world. We have created a grand stage for them and they'll give all of us the best that they've got. I guarantee that everyone in attendance will see and hear the very best of music and of our city."

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Bruton's involvement with the project has been a labor of love giving him the platform to honor his friends and fellow musicians. The Austin musician worked with the best producers, directors, engineers and crew to create this watershed event. Bruton himself has long-standing musical ties with both Kristofferson and Raitt. The 11-piece band that he has put together is primed to play for over three and half hours backing up over 30 artists scheduled to be on the bill.

Currently scheduled for "The Road To Austin" are performers Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Joe Ely, Tosca Strings, Eric Johnson, Raul Salinas, Malford Milligan, Carolyn Wonderland, Ruthie Foster, Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox, Bob Schneider, James Hand, David Grissom, Bobby Whitlock & Coco Carmel, Ian McLagan, and Lisa Hayes among many others.

Tickets for the free event are available on the web at www.roadtoaustinconcert.com. Gates will open at 5:30 pm for the 7:00 pm start.

For more information, visit their web site at www.roadtoaustinconcert.com.