Nearly 2,000 attendees witnessed a concert unlike anything seen before when eight Texas performers representing 19 Grammy Awards and countless nominations joined each other on stage at ACL Live at the Moody Theatre last night for the Best of Texas Music Concert.

During the event a painting by Austin artist Carlos Ortiz of Willie Nelson and Ray Benson, signed by both musicians, was auctioned off for $8,000 with all proceeds benefiting Austin-based non-profit Kids in a New Groove (K.I.N.G.).

"Kids in a New Groove was thrilled to be a part of Formula Austin's 'The Best of Texas Music.' Carlos Ortiz's original painting signed by both Willie and Ray the night of the show captured the true sprit of Austin music, as well as the true spirit of giving in Austin," said Karyn Scott, executive director of K.I.N.G. "The auction proceeds from Ortiz's painting will fund over eight children in foster care with weekly private music lessons for an entire year, providing hope and inspiration that will help make these children's future much brighter."

Held at The Moody Theatre at ACL Live on Thursday, the Best of Texas Music concert featured a line-up of Texas musicians including Willie Nelson, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Pat Green, Jerry Jeff Walker, Cindy Cashdollar, Del Castillo, Ruthie Foster and the Quebe Sisters. The concert was broadcast live to the world by Sirius XM Radio on "Willie's Roadhouse."

"Thank you to Formula Austin, Austin City Limits, Willie and all the performers for a top-notch gig," said Ray Benson, lead singer of Asleep at the Wheel. "Texas music is loved worldwide. It is one of the things that makes a visit here memorable, so we hope our F1 visitors enjoyed the 'Best of Texas' show."

Notable guests at the concert included former F1 star Derek Daly, English motorsport engineer and Formula 1 team principal Ross Brawn, Consul General of Britain in New York City Danny Lopez and his wife Susan, along with a representative of the British consulate from Houston and Deputy Consul for Mexico in Austin Mariana Posada.

"Calling anything the 'Best' sets the expectation pretty high. This concert exceeded every expectation I had and, more importantly, for the guests in attendance, many whom had never attended a country music concert," said Andy Fish, president of Formula Austin. "The energy that started with the first song by The Quebe Sisters carried through the entire concert as people took to the dance floor and ended crowding the stage for Willie's extended performance."

Additional events by Formula Austin taking places throughout the inaugural race weekend include a Red, White, and Wine Tour of four award-winning wineries and an exclusive dinner at Franklin Barbecue, rated number one in the US by Bon Appetit magazine.

Tickets for all events can be purchased on the Formula Austin website.

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