Friday, October 24, 7-10:30p
The 04 Center
2701 S Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
On Friday, October 24, some of Austin’s finest singers and songwriters will gather at The 04 Center for a special evening paying tribute to legendary songwriter Guy Clark. This benefit concert marks the 50th anniversary of Clark’s debut album, Old No. 1—a record that quietly reshaped the landscape of American songwriting.
The night will feature performances by Sam Baker, Rosie Flores, Verlon Thompson, Presley Haile, Waylon Payne, Jack Barksdale, Bukka Allen, Graham Weber, and Mike Meadows, who will bring Old No. 1 to life by performing the album in its entirety. Following this tribute set, each artist will share an original song of their own, carrying forward Clark’s legacy of truth, grit, and poetry in music.
A Record That Changed Everything
Released on November 7, 1975, just one day after Guy Clark’s 34th birthday, Old No. 1 wasn’t a commercial hit. Yet critics recognized its brilliance immediately. Songs like “L.A. Freeway,” “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” “Rita Ballou,” “Texas 1947,” “Let Him Roll,” and “That Old Time Feeling” became instant classics.
What no one could have predicted at the time was how profoundly the record would influence generations of songwriters, troubadours, and fans of Americana music. Half a century later, Old No. 1 remains a touchstone for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling through song.
Supporting the Next Generation of Songwriters
This event benefits The Guy Clark Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting songwriters who continue to create in the spirit of Clark’s work. The anniversary concert is part of a series of events designed to raise awareness and funding for the foundation’s mission.
About Tamara Saviano
The concert is produced by Tamara Saviano—a Grammy-winning producer, writer, and filmmaker who worked closely with Clark for years. Saviano has authored both a book and documentary on Clark’s life and continues to advocate for songwriters through her role on the foundation’s board.
Her recently released memoir, Poets & Dreamers: My Life in Americana Music, chronicles her decades in the music industry and her unique role in shaping what we now know as the “Americana” movement.
Join us October 24 at The 04 Center in Austin for this unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community—all in celebration of Guy Clark’s enduring legacy.