fundraising for a fiddle

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

Ruby Jane with Asleep at the Wheel.
Photo by Meredith Rainey
Asleep at the Wheel.
Photo by Meredith Rainey
Ray Benson watches as Ruby Jane plays.
Photo by Meredith Rainey
Bob Schneider.
Photo by Meredith Rainey
Cowboy and Indian.
Photo by Meredith Rainey
Cowboy and Indian's Jesse Plemons (who played Landry Clarke on the 'Friday NightLights' TV show)
Photo by Meredith Rainey
The crowd at Antone's.
Photo by Meredith Rainey

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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Time For A Swan Song

Austin's Madam Radar to play gala for unique musical nonprofit

Madam Radar/swansongs.org

Madam Radar is playing the 14th Annual Swan Songs Serenade on November 3.

A unique musical gala in Austin is gearing up for its 2024 run. The 14th Annual Swan Songs Serenade, which raises funds for bedside concerts by local artists, has now announced its ticketing and sponsorship options. This gives individuals ($200) and groups plenty of time to organize their contribution before ticket sales start on September 1.

The gala will be held on November 3, combining a seated dinner, live and silent auctions that are currently accepting donations, and a performance by local rock band Madam Radar, known for their gentle and soulful Americana rock sound. The band has been selling out shows, including a recent date at Antone's, and this gala is known for getting popular local artists on board.

Swan Songs, the nonprofit that organizes the event, takes a creative approach to end-of-life care. Similar organizations like Make A Wish are famous for their extraordinary ability to grant final wishes, but Swan Songs takes a much more local approach. When an Austinite is terminally ill or nearing the end of their life, they can request a concert by a local musician, either by name or by genre.

The latter is more common, but Guy Forsyth, Jimmy LaFave, Bob Schneider, Ray Benson, and Marcia Ball are among artists requested in the past, according to a press release. The nonprofit started in this spirit, when Austin musician and Swan Songs founder Christine Albert was asked to play for a fan. Swan Songs pays an honorarium to participating artists.

Now Swan Songs offers concerts for friends, family, and caregivers to enjoy as well, and two custom songwriting experiences. Both reflect the life of the recipient in song; One is prepared for them, and the other sets them up for a collaborative effort with songwriter Darden Smith.

The Swan Songs Serenade gala hopes to "bring conversations about death out of the shadows," according to the release, and the songwriting experiences also aim for feelings of closure.

The 2024 Swan Songs Serenade will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. The dinner caterer has not been announced. Tables for 10 can be purchased through sponsorships starting at $5,000. Smaller sponsorships that do not include seating at the event raise funds for musician honorariums of $150 each; These can be purchased at various levels from $3,000-15,000.

More information about the gala and Swan Songs is available at swansongs.org.

concerts galas charity fundraisers