In 1968, Neil Young went solo, and embarked on one of the greatest legacies in Rock & Roll. Fifty years later, at two legendary Texas theaters in Austin and Dallas, more than 25 acclaimed artists will converge to honor the rock legend. Ticket sale proceeds will benefit Refuge Foundation for the Arts, a non-profit organization supporting the creation of music and art. “We are going to throw two Texas-sized parties for our hero Neil Young,” says Best Fest founder Austin Scaggs. “All Neil, all night, with an incredible cast of musicians. The cherry on top is that we’ll raise money for Refuge Foundation, and everyone onstage and in the audience will help in supporting and nurturing a new wave of musicians and artists. That’s what really makes this all worthwhile.”
As always The Best Fest’s acclaimed house band, The Cabin Down Below Band, will host a prodigious cast of musicians, including Norah Jones, Shakey Graves*, Boz Scaggs, Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards, The Flatlanders** (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, Joe Ely) Featuring Terry Allen**, Alison Mosshart of The Kills, Charlie Sexton, Alex Maas of The Black Angels*, Nikki Lane, White Denim’s James Petralli, Danny Masterson & Adam Busch, Jonathan Tyler, Eric Pulido of Midlake, The Midnight Stroll, Robert Ellis, Cory Chisel, My Jerusalem’s Jeff Klein, Adriel Denae, Carson McHone, Matthew Logan Vasquez*, Paul Cauthen**, The Texas Gentlemen, The Candles and many many more surprises. Expect the unexpected. Tickets go on sale Friday January 20th.
All Artists to perform at both shows except where notated: *Performing Feb 18th ONLY / **Performing Feb 19th ONLY. Artists and line up subject to change without notice.
The Best Fest is proud to continue its partnership with Refuge Foundation for the Arts, which was founded in response to the lack of resources available to artists today, and is honored to support their mission: “Helping Artists Create.”
“Refuge Foundation is a way for musicians and artists to take care of our own,” says Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Cory Chisel, who created the foundation with his partner, Adriel Denae. “Our goal is to free the artist’s creative and business process from the strictures of the current model, which can often become an economic stranglehold for artists, especially when it comes to musicians, record labels, and the business of making records.” While Refuge Foundation provides opportunities for so many facets of the arts – photography, sculpture, film, dance, wood and metal-working, and more – The Best Fest will focus its partnership on emerging musicians.
“Refuge Foundation and The Best Fest are a natural fit,” says Scaggs. “Music is the thing that keeps our collective of musicians alive, spiritually and economically. By donating the proceeds from Best Fest concerts to The Refuge we are waving the flag of togetherness which is at the core of what we do.”
The Best Fest is also proud to collaborate with Jameson Irish Whiskey on their recently announced Jameson Music program. The Fests started in the same New York community of bartenders, musicians, and craftsmen that adopted Jameson as their drink of choice. The Best Fest and Jameson forged a relationship based on similar values, shared appreciation and interest in spreading the community spirit. In conjunction with Jameson Music, promising musical acts will be featured alongside established musicians on the Best Fest stage this year.
About The Best Fest:
Fifteen years after celebrating Bob Dylan’s 60th birthday by jamming with a few friends in a tiny Lower East Side bar, The Best Fests – including Dylan Fest, Petty Fest, Stones Fest, George Fest, Brian Fest and Fleetwood Mac Fest – are now a rock and roll tradition. The New York Times described The Fests as “one of the most jubilant events of the year” and Rolling Stone touted it as “an experience that is equal parts concert and celebration.” The Best Fest travels the globe producing one of a kind all-star charity concerts. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity nationally. Sold out shows in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago, and Dublin have featured guest performances from an incredible and diverse array of celebrities and artists including: Brian Wilson, Norah Jones, Johnny Depp, The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, The Killers, Ryan Adams, The Flaming Lips, Emmylou Harris, Kesha, Perry Farrell, Spoon, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Harper, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Ann Wilson, Jakob Dylan, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music of George Harrison is now a beautify captured live album and full length concert film available on Vagrant Records (BMG). For updates and information, please visit www.thebestfest.com and follow @thebestfest on Instagram and @The_BestFest on Twitter.
Fifteen years after celebrating Bob Dylan’s 60th birthday by jamming with a few friends in a tiny Lower East Side bar, The Best Fests – including Dylan Fest, Petty Fest, Stones Fest, George Fest, Brian Fest and Fleetwood Mac Fest – are now a rock and roll tradition. The New York Times described The Fests as “one of the most jubilant events of the year” and Rolling Stone touted it as “an experience that is equal parts concert and celebration.” The Best Fest travels the globe producing one of a kind all-star charity concerts. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity nationally. Sold out shows in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago, and Dublin have featured guest performances from an incredible and diverse array of celebrities and artists including: Brian Wilson, Norah Jones, Johnny Depp, The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, The Killers, Ryan Adams, The Flaming Lips, Emmylou Harris, Kesha, Perry Farrell, Spoon, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Harper, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Ann Wilson, Jakob Dylan, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music of George Harrison is now a beautify captured live album and full length concert film available on Vagrant Records (BMG). For updates and information, please visit www.thebestfest.com and follow @thebestfest on Instagram and @The_BestFest on Twitter.
About Refuge Foundation For The Arts
Refuge Foundation For The Arts is a non-profit organization providing sanctuary for the pursuit of creative expression through music and art. Founded in response to the lack of resources available to artists today, it is the mission of The Refuge to offer patronage and opportunity to creators in a supportive and collaborative environment. Bordered by the Fox River in Appleton, WI and built in 1935 by Capuchin-Franciscan monks, our beautiful 33,000 square foot facility houses recording studios, art studios, and artist residences amid ten acres of protected nature, gardens, and orchards.
Refuge Foundation For The Arts is a non-profit organization providing sanctuary for the pursuit of creative expression through music and art. Founded in response to the lack of resources available to artists today, it is the mission of The Refuge to offer patronage and opportunity to creators in a supportive and collaborative environment. Bordered by the Fox River in Appleton, WI and built in 1935 by Capuchin-Franciscan monks, our beautiful 33,000 square foot facility houses recording studios, art studios, and artist residences amid ten acres of protected nature, gardens, and orchards.
About Jameson® Irish Whiskey:
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a smooth and perfectly balanced triple distilled Irish Whiskey rooted in Irish heritage dating back to 1780 when legendary John Jameson released his first cask. The brand’s success comes down to the skilled distillers that ensure Jameson’s unique taste and the communities who have supported its handcrafted quality for hundreds of years. Reliably timeless and simple, Jameson is best enjoyed during great times with great friends. It has all the quality credentials to allow it be consumed straight, but is versatile and is equally great when mixed. Follow Jameson Irish Whiskey @JamesonWhiskey on Facebook and @Jameson_US on Instagram and Twitter.
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a smooth and perfectly balanced triple distilled Irish Whiskey rooted in Irish heritage dating back to 1780 when legendary John Jameson released his first cask. The brand’s success comes down to the skilled distillers that ensure Jameson’s unique taste and the communities who have supported its handcrafted quality for hundreds of years. Reliably timeless and simple, Jameson is best enjoyed during great times with great friends. It has all the quality credentials to allow it be consumed straight, but is versatile and is equally great when mixed. Follow Jameson Irish Whiskey @JamesonWhiskey on Facebook and @Jameson_US on Instagram and Twitter.
