Concerts in Austin benefit Haiti

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austinites can contribute money for Haitian earthquake relief and hear some great music at the same time.

Coming up this week:

• Wednesday: Fundraiser at Scholz Garten, beginning at 5:30 pm., $10 or best donation
• Friday night: KXAN hosts a telethon at 7 p.m.
• Sunday night: Some big names in Texas music hit the stage at the Austin Music Hall.

All this comes after concerts at Freebirds, Dominican Joe's and Antone's earlier this week.

On Wednesday at Sholz Garten, J immie Dale Gillmore, James McMurtry and Jenny Reynolds will perform.

The event was organized in quick fashion by Shawn Morris, a self-described "ordinary housewife" who wanted to do something after being inspired by the images coming from Haiti. Morris said the money raised will to go to the Salvation Army.

"They're already there on the ground, they're experienced in providing this kind of relief, and they'll still be there long after others have gone," she said.

When she asked the performers and Scholz to do the benefit, they immediately agreed, she said.

"That's the way Austin is, and that's why I love living here," she said.

Morris is asking for $10 contributions at the door, but hopes people bring their checkbooks to contribute more. "Whatever you can afford" is what Morris is hoping for.

A second concert on Sunday at the Austin City Music Hall features 14 acts, including some big names like Asleep at the Wheel, The Flatlanders, Joe Ely, Kinky Friedman, Robert Earl Keen and Shawn Colvin, among others.

This Friday evening at 7pm KXAN presents a telethon helping a handful of charities including UNICEF and the Red Cross.