AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Limits will receive recognition on a local and state level as it celebrates its 50th birthday . The TV show has established itself as the longest-running music program in television history and has made waves in Austin’s culture and history throughout its 50-year run.
Willie Nelson was the first person to ever perform on Austin City Limits. That inaugural performance was taped on Oct. 17, 1974.
The show has been celebrating its golden anniversary all year long and will cap it off with a concert featuring Willie Nelson & Family, along with Austin’s own Asleep at the Wheel, on Oct. 17 at the Long Center.
ACL TV will receive proclamations from both the state and the Austin City Council to officially declare Oct. 17th as “Austin City Limits Day.”
The proclamations will recognize the show’s “contributions to Austin’s live music culture and identity, and for broadcasting legendary performances into homes across America and beyond for a remarkable five decades,” according to a release from ACL.
The proclamations will be announced from the stage at the Austin City Limits 50th Birthday Bash celebration.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is set to declare “Austin City Limits Day” on behalf of the city of Austin.
Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of Texas Economic Development & Tourism for the state of Texas, along with Chip Adams, Director of the Texas Music Office, will announce Texas’ proclamation.
Several iconic Austin landmarks and music venues will join in on the celebrations with salutes on their signs and marquees to mark the milestone anniversary.
El Arroyo, Austin Motel, Paramount Theatre, Hole in the Wall, Saxon Pub, Q2 Arena, Moody Center and more will participate, per a release from ACL.