Good music, good friends and fans help raise the roof and money for Ruby Jane

Turning bad energy into something good isn’t always easy.  But when you feel like you’ve been kicked in the ass, don’t say uncle — make the strings of your fiddle scream in defiance and with a level of conviction that lets everyone know you won’t let a little matter of a carjacking defeat you.  

Ruby Jane Smith shared the stage at Antone’s Thursday night with some class A musicians, singers and friends who want to make sure despite the loss of a fiddle custom made for her, a mandolin and thousands of dollars worth of equipment and valuables, the 17-year-old Austin based musician can keep doing what she loves.

Hundreds of fans and friends put down 20 dollars a head to see some Austin favorites play during an energetic and eclectic show. There was also a silent auction that included autographed photos of Smith and a guitar autographed by all of the musicians participating in the benefit. Proceeds are going towards helping Ruby Jane and her mom JoBelle get back some of what was taken from them during a Dec. 8 carjacking after a gig in Houston. The Smith’s were ordered out of their SUV at gunpoint just before the lone thief took off with their vehicle and everything inside; the SUV was recovered, as well as Ruby Jane’s 12-string guitar, but the fiddle Ruby Jane loves enough to give its own Facebook page hasn’t been found.  

Even without her beloved Danny Pipkin (the stolen fiddle named for slain reporter Daniel Pearl), Ruby Jane’s passion for playing was unmistakable Thursday night, as she traded notes with members of Asleep at the Wheel. She also welcomed Bob Schneider, Cowboy & Indian (this fairly new band made a quick fan out of many) and The Peacemakers to the stage.

Ruby Jane is  putting some of her passion for music down in the studio: she's been recording a new CD thanks to contributions made through her Kickstarter campaign.

Thursday’s benefit at Antone’s is one of several that have been held for Smith to raise money to replace her stolen instruments and equipment.

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