The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Ray Benson set for special halftime performance at Saturday’s Texas vs. Texas Tech Football Game
09.23.2021 | Football
The 10-time Grammy Award winner is celebrating 50 years of Asleep at the Wheel
Austin, Texas – Texas Athletics is proud to welcome Ray Benson, lead vocalist for Austin-based and Grammy Award-winning Asleep at the Wheel, for a special on-field performance at halftime of Saturday's Texas vs. Texas Tech football game presented by Truist. The artist is currently in the midst of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Asleep at the Wheel, the revolutionary Texas swing band that has wowed audiences since 1970. The 10-time Grammy Award-winners have released 31 albums throughout their illustrious career. Benson, a lifelong Longhorns fan, has made numerous appearances at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Frank Erwin Center and UFCU Disch-Falk Field over the years.
"Ray Benson is a proud member of the Longhorn family," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte. "We can't wait to celebrate 50 years of Asleep at the Wheel by welcoming him back to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium this Saturday. What a fabulous surprise for Longhorn Nation!"
Prior to Benson's performance, the Longhorn Band will perform a special halftime show celebrating Hispanic Heritage entitled "Juntos," meaning "together" in Spanish. The show will feature afro-cuban music from Celia Cruz, rumba flamenca music from the Gypsy Kings, as well as a performance of a traditional mariachi tune featuring the Mariachi Paredes de la Universidad de Texas.
On October 15, Asleep at the Wheel will commemorate the occasion during Celebrating 50 Years of Asleep at the Wheel held at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park.
Live music will kick off on the Forty Acres at 8 a.m. as the Deep Eddy Lounge at Longhorn City Limits opens. Rising artist Briscoe will hit the stage at the LBJ Lawn at 9:30 a.m. Following the game, Heading South singer-songwriter Zach Bryan will perform a headlining set. Admission is FREE for all fans at Longhorn City Limits.
Tickets are still available for the Big 12 Conference football game this weekend and can be purchased online at TexasSports.com/tickets or by calling 512-471-3333 (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central).
Visit TexasSports.com/Gameday for the latest updates leading up to Saturday's game.
