In Photos: SXSW 2017, Day 1 (Ray Benson Birthday Bash, featuring Willie Nelson)

Just days after releasing her new album, The Order of Time, Valerie June played tracks from it at BMI’s 17th annual Howdy Texas South By Southwest party at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q in Austin. All photos by Lynne Margolis

American Songwriter’s 2017 coverage is presented by D’addario.

Shannon McNally performs at Ray Benson’s annual birthday party Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M in Austin. Shannon McNally performs at Ray Benson’s annual birthday party Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M in Austin. Benson’s bash, which benefits the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, is one of several that traditionally marks the opening of Southby’s music segment.

Carolyn Wonderland and Shelley King singing Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” at Ray Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, in the backyard at GSD&M ad agency in Austin.

Marcia Ball performs at Ray Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M ad agency in Austin.

Sunny Sweeney performs “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight,” from her new album, Trophy, at Ray Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M ad agency’s backyard in Austin.

Ray Benson and Sunny Sweeney get the “Folsom Prison Blues” at Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M ad agency’s backyard in Austin. Benson’s popular bash, a benefit for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, is one of several that traditionally marks the opening of Southby’s music segment.

Charlie Sexton has a little fun with Ray Benson, the audience and Sunny Sweeney in-between his moments on harmonica during their rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” during Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M ad agency’s backyard in Austin.

Ray Benson performs “Take Me Back to Tulsa” with Avett Brothers Bob Crawford, Scott Avett and Seth Avett, Asleep at the Wheel fiddlers Katie Shore and Dennis Ludiker and Avett Brother Joe Kwon.

Avett Brothers Bob Crawford, Scott Avett and Seth Avett sing David Childers’ “The Prettiest Thing” during Ray Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M ad agency’s backyard in Austin.

Ray Benson, Avett Brothers Scott and Seth and Willie Nelson share the stage at Benson’s 66th birthday bash Tuesday, March 14, at GSD&M ad agency’s backyard in Austin.

Willie Nelson has often said, “When Trigger goes, I’ll go,” but both he and his battered, beloved Martin are still doing quite well, thank-you. Among the songs Nelson played during his set at Ray Benson’s 66th Birthday Bash was “I Woke Up Still Not Dead Today.” Benson cracked up at the line, “Don’t bury me, I got a show to play.”

Willie Nelson has often said, “When Trigger goes, I’ll go,” but both he and his battered, beloved Martin are still doing quite well, thank-you. Among the songs Nelson played during his set at Ray Benson’s 66th Birthday Bash was “I Woke Up Still Not Dead Today.” Benson cracked up at the line, “Don’t bury me, I got a show to play.”