The new Gram Parsons Foundation will celebrate its official launch with two events in Austin, TX around the SXSW music conference. Both events will take place at Austin’s Hotel San Jose on March 14, 2012, featuring a mix of bands inspired by the country-rock pioneer. GPF was first formed in 2004 to facilitate the transmittal of funds raised from the Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons shows in LA and Santa Barbara, to the Musicians Assistance Program (MAP) and SIMS Foundation. After lying dormant, the foundation was recently re-activated with a stated mission to “support musicians and artists worldwide with addiction and recovery services.”

The foundation’s first, official launch event will take place at the Hotel San Jose parking lot from Noon-8 PM, featuring Blitzen Trapper, Brendan Benson (w/Eric Burdon), Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons, Great Lake Swimmers, Alberta Cross, Poor Moon (Christian and Casey from Fleet Foxes), Jenny O., Shurman, Henry Wagons, Amy Cook and many additional acts. The event will be streamed live through VenueOne (www.venueone.com) which is a fusion of entertainment and socializing functionality that enable viewers to connect, engage and watch gigs together online.

The second event, a VIP Fundraiser, is slated for the evening of March 14 from 9PM-Midnight at the Hotel San Jose Courtyard. This event will be a ticketed, private, VIP fundraiser with a live auction, food and cocktails. Polly Parsons, Gram’s daughter, will speak about the Foundation and there will be a step and repeat available for photos. The fundraiser’s performance lineup will be confirmed in the coming weeks.