Uptown Theater Announces Rare Acoustic Appearance by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel
Photo courtesy City of Grand Prairie
Asleep at the Wheel front man Ray Benson performs in a rare solo acoustic performance on Friday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m. at the historic Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., in downtown Grand Prairie.
At a towering 6’7”, the Philadelphia-born Ray Benson is considered a giant in the industry. However, it’s his contributions to music history, not his height, that have made him a dominant figure on the music scene since 1970. Ray Benson is the front man and founder of the world-renowned Western swing band – Asleep at the Wheel. For forty years, Ray has been the driving force behind “The Wheel” and has overseen the release of more than 25 albums, countless tours, and has won nine GRAMMY™ Awards. The 2009 CD release of Willie & The Wheel with collaborator Willie Nelson garnered another Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. Last year’s It’s A Good Day with famed Texas Playboy Leon Rausch is earning critical acclaim and legions of new fans for the genre.
Ray’s honors include 2011 Texan of the Year, 2011 Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Multimedia, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, the TEC Les Paul Award and in 2004 was named an official Texas State Musician. He stars in a play he co-wrote, “A Ride with Bob: The Bob Wills Musical,” to commemorate the legend’s 100th birthday. A sought-after producer, he has worked with such artists as Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Carolyn Wonderland, Aaron Watson and Suzy Bogguss.
Tickets are $15 in advance at www.uptowntheatergp.com or 972-237-UPTN, or $20 at the door the night of the show.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
