Alejandro Escovedo Has His Day

Nov. 4 is Alejandro Escovedo Day, literally. Not only will the respected musician be honored with an all-star benefit concert at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, but shortly beforehand there will be a special ceremony where Austin mayor Will Wynn will proclaim Nov. 4 Alejandro Escovedo Day.

The outpouring of support for Escovedo has been overwhelming since he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C last year. Known for his influence on alt.country and roots musicians, it's no surprise many of Escovedo's friends, including Los Lonely Boys, John Cale (Velvet Underground), Ruben Ramos, Bob Neuwirth, Tres Chicas, Butch Hancock (The Flatlanders), Lenny Kaye, Jon Dee Graham and The Section String Quartet plan to join him at the first annual Por Vida: Benefit for Life concert at the Paramount Theater. Several of the participating artists will be led by a Charlie Sexton all-star band.

Many of the same artists are featured on Por Vida, a double-disc benefit record that helped increase awareness of the disease and cover Escovedo's medical costs. Its impressive sales were able to help jumpstart a charitable fund in the musician's honor. The Alejandro Fund, which officially launches Nov. 4, will not only address the crisis of Hepatitis C within the music community, but also help provide medical assistance and relief for uninsured professional musicians and others living with the disease.

There will also be a gala and special silent auction prior to the concert at Austin's historic Driskill Hotel.

For more information on the Alejandro Fund, please visit: www.alejandrofund.com

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