Willie Nelson is no (red-headed) stranger to speaking up for the downtrodden. In the ’80s he rallied to keep family farmers on their land with the Farm Aid concert series. In 2017, he led an all-star benefit for Hurricane Harvey relief. Now, the Texas music icon is raising his powerful voice to address the humanitarian crisis on the border.
Nelson is one of several Texas artists lending their support to #CareFortheCaravan, a grassroots mobilizing effort and donation drive organized by social justice group, Buffalo Tree Presents. The group is collecting donations at a series of Texas events. They plan to deliver essential supplies and clothing items to refugees at the South Texas border.
Austin audiences can catch a sneak peak of the video for Nelson’s new song “Immigrant Eyes” at the #CareFortheCaravan event at Still Whisky Company on May 19.
The event kicks off at 1 p.m. and includes an appearance from local television personality, Olga Campos Benz and performances from Kiko Villamizar, Atash, Bamako Airlines, Leti Garza, Tiarra Girls, and Grupo Massa. There is no cover to attend, but organizers urge attendees to bring donations from the list below.
Buffalo Tree Presents is also hosting a kickoff event in Dallas with Polyphonic Spree on May 18. They plan to drop off supplies in McAllen on May 20.
Buffalo Tree Presents is also hosting a kickoff event in Dallas with Polyphonic Spree on May 18. They plan to drop off supplies in McAllen on May 20.
Requested items include (new items only):
· Toiletries including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, feminine hygiene products, etc
· Tennis shoes for men, women, children and infants of all sizes
· Clothes (pants, t-shirts, blouses, underclothing) for children and adults of all sizes
· Baby supplies for toddlers (diapers, baby wipes, baby bottles)
· Gift cards to purchase food items
· Resealable plastic bags (ziplock, etc)
· Phone cards
· Jugs of water