By Laura Ferreiro
The Gram Parsons Foundation, a charity that offers addiction and recovery services to artists and musicians, announced that it will throw a two-part launch party at South by Southwest next month.
The first event is a free day party on March 14, which will be held at Hotel San Jose in Austin. It features a performance by Brendan Benson (of Raconteurs fame) who will be joined by Eric Burdon, the singer of the Animals and War. Blitzen Trapper, Alberta Cross, Great Lake Swimmers, Jenny O and Poor Man (Christian and Casey from Fleet Foxes) are also on the bill for the event, which will be streamed live at VenueOne.
The second event is a VIP fundraiser that evening, where Parson’s daughter, Polly Parsons, is slated to speak and a surprise guest will perform.
The Gram Parsons Foundation supports musicians and artists worldwide with addiction and recovery services. It also focuses on delivering messages of prevention and awareness to school-aged children.
Parsons, the Foundation’s namesake, was a renowned singer and guitarist who died in 1973 at the age of 26 of an alcohol and morphine overdose. He was known for his influential work with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, and his groundbreaking blending of country and rock genres.
The Gram Parsons Foundation initially formed in 2004, but has been lying dormant for several years. Impassioned letters from fans and supporters inspired the Foundation to relaunch and reinvigorate its efforts to fund these vital programs.
For more information or to contribute to the Gram Parsons Foundation, visit www.gramparsonsfoundation.org.