Tonight in Houston, musicians from across the nation will come together to honor Chris Whitley.

Sunday, March 5, 2006 – Warehouse Live (downtown) in Houston

More info from the press release:

Legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist, 45 years old, Chris Whitley died of lung cancer on November 20th at a friend’s home near Houston. Chris leaves behind a younger brother Dan, an older sister Bridget, and daughter Trixie. Two tribute concerts for Whitley will take place in Austin and Houston. Proceeds will in part benefit a trust fund for Trixie Whitley. “My brother was all about life and living, and we want anybody who felt touched by him or his music to come and be welcome,” says Dan Whitley.

A man of rare poetic honesty, Chris Whitley maintained a resolute musical integrity throughout his career. His 13 albums, ranging from raw-boned folk-rock to lush electro-blues, had the thread of intense emotion and constant invention running through them.

Chris Whitley’s debut LP, Living With the Law, was released by Columbia Records in 1991 and was received with critical acclaim. Chris’ Soft Dangerous Shores (Messenger) came out in July 2005. Both discs now seem like spiritual/aesthetic book-ends, mixing roots-rock grit with heat-haze atmospherics. Chris Whitley’s final recording, Reiter In, will be released in Europe on February 28th (Downtown) and in North America on March 28th (Red Parlor).

In the Houston area, an incredible night of music will take place at Warehouse Live on Sunday, March 5. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Current artists to perform include Shawn Colvin, Charlie Sexton, Vernon Reid, DJ Logic, Doug Pinnick, the Sonnier Brothers, the Dan Whitley Band, John Egan, Arthur Yoria and NDUGU. Warehouse Live is located at 813 St. Emmanual Street, Houston, Texas. Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster- www.ticketmaster.com.

In Austin, the show will be held at The Glenn on Saturday, March 4, with the same lineup, but will also include Alejandro Escovedo and band and The Barbwire Project featuring- Eric Johnson, Malford Milligan, Steve Barber, Bill Maddox, Stephen Bruton, Chris Maresh, Rebecca Henderson and the Tosca Strings. The Glenn is located at 13101 Hwy 71 in West Austin by The Backyard. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased through Get Tix- www.gettix.net

A raffle will be held at each event featuring special autographed items. Also be on the lookout for surprise guest appearances. All proceeds go to cover medical expenses for Chris’s care and to establish a Trust Fund for his daughter, Trixie Whitley.

Visit www.chriswhitley.com.