Shiner Announces Partnership with the Waylon Jennings Fund for Diabetes Research

From Shiner:

Shiner, Texas (PRWEB) March 13, 2013/mbb/

Waylon Jennings was a professional musician from 1958 until his death from diabetes complications in 2002, but it was as a leader of the “outlaw country” movement in the 1970s that you really began to see his impact on the country music scene. The Littlefield, Texas, native had an impressive solo career and was also known for his collaborations with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.

It was also in the 1970s that Shiner beer found a foothold in the Austin music scene that helped launch it from its humble small-town roots into a beer prized across the country. Jennings was loved for his independence and authenticity, traits associated with Shiner as well.

Now, Waylon and Shiner share something else in common, with the announcement that Shiner has joined forces with The Waylon Fund for Diabetes Research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). The Waylon Fund, founded by Waylon’s widow Jessi Colter and their son Shooter Jennings, helps promote research that allows doctors to more accurately predict who is at greatest risk of developing diabetes and its associated complications, while also developing better strategies for identifying and managing aspects of the disease.

The partnership will officially kick off on Wednesday, March 13, at the annual South By San José party at Austin’s Hotel San José. This year’s party is a tribute to the Armadillo World Headquarters, the legendary Austin music hall where Jennings frequently graced the stage. Waylon’s son Shooter Jennings is one of the featured acts at the show.

Proceeds from the show will aid The Waylon Fund’s important efforts.

In addition, each year Waylon Jennings fans across the country throw huge parties at bars and music venues to celebrate the singer’s June 15 birthday. Many of those bashes are fundraisers for the Waylon Fund, and Shiner will play an important role in those events going forward, helping raise much-needed research funds and awareness about diabetes research and treatment.

How you can help:

• Join us starting at noon on Wednesday, March 13, in the parking lot of the Hotel San José, 1316 South Congress in Austin. The lineup includes:

Noon Mother Falcon
1 pm Jenny O.
2 pm Wild Child
3 pm Shooter Jennings
4 pm Jimmie Dale Gilmore
5 pm Asleep at the Wheel
6 pm Roky Erickson

• Look for a Waylon Jennings birthday party near you in mid-June. Check out http://www.shiner.com for more information and locations.
• Check out the Waylon Fund at http://www.thewaylonfund.org. Learn more about the important work being done. Then click the Donate Now button.