It's been almost a month since Dallas sportswriter Richard Durrett died unexpectedly at age 38, and it seems the outpouring of support for his expectant wife and two kids is only just beginning.
On September 8, Billy Bob's Texas will host Do It For Durrett, a benefit concert combining sports and country music. The Texas Rangers announced the news in a July 7 press release. The team was coy about the full concert lineup, naming only Rhett Miller and Daphne Willis.
Organizers are being coy about the full concert lineup, naming only Rhett Miller and Daphne Willis but promising even bigger names.
Miller, lead singer of the Old 97's, and Willis, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter, are both stars in their own right. But organizers are promising even bigger names.
"The stars of the show? Too big to name in the release, but how about 12 sold-out shows at Billy Bob's alone and a combined eight singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts," reads the release.
In addition to the super-secret headliners, the benefit will also include "the sports auction to end all actions." A-list athletes including Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Wilson and Derek Jeter are contributing signed memorabilia for a silent auction, and there are still more surprises planned for the live auction.
Here's a tease: Sit courtside at a Mavericks game with Mark Cuban, Talk Rangers over dinner with Jon Daniels and Michael Young, and snag a Victory Lane suite and pit passes for every 2015 race at Texas Motor Speedway.
"It's a wonderful night for a great cause," Rangers TV personality Emily Jones said. "I can't believe the musical lineup we've been able to put together, and the auction items too. I think that really speaks to what a great guy Richard was. This is a great way for people to support him and his family."
Before joining ESPN in 2009, Durrett worked for the Dallas Morning News, the Denton Record-Chronicle and the Grapevine Sun. His is survived by his two children, Owen and Alice, and his wife, Kelly, who is pregnant.
Tickets go on sale July 11 at 10 am on Billybobstexas.com and at the venue's box office. Cost is $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
Rhett Miller, lead singer of the Old 97's, will take the Billy Bob's stage in September to honor sportswriter Richard Durrett.
