The Ameripolitan Music Awards returns to Austin’s historic Paramount Theatre for the 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at 8 pm (doors open at 7 pm), with music legend and past Ameripolitan winner Ray Benson hosting.  With his magnetic personality, Benson will emcee the event, honoring the best of Ameripolitan music with stories, music and of course, song.

“As a former winner and presenter, I’m honored to host the 2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards. I invite everyone to come on out – it will be a star-studded evening of great music and awards, honoring the outstanding American Roots performers of today!” exclaims Benson.

In February 2013, renowned Texas musician, Dale Watson coined the term “Ameripolitan” to describe his own brand of original roots music – when moved by remarks Ray Price wrote in defense of his style of traditional music. Seizing the moment, Watson embarked on the ambitious goal of organizing an Ameripolitan Music Awards show with a deadline of “one year to the day”.  One year later, to the day, the first annual Ameripolitan Music Awards took place.

“The 2016 awards show will be the coming of age for the genre,” Watson says.  “The performance line-up will be a ‘who’s who’ in the industry, not to mention having a music giant like Ray Benson hosting. We also have several big surprises in store that will electrify fans. This year we are taking the Ameripolitan Music Awards to a new level.”

Tickets start at $35 and are available beginning 10 am, Friday, August 14 at www.austintheatre.org. For updates and breaking news, please visit Ameripolitan.com as well as the Ameripolitan Awards social networks on TWITTER and FACEBOOK.