Turning 75 is cause for celebration, and Texas Rangers Hall of Fame radio broadcaster and longtime mental health advocate Eric Nadel marked the milestone May 14 with a packed night of music and community at the historic Longhorn Ballroom, featuring Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends and special guest Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes.
Nadel hosted his 14th annual Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit concert, with proceeds benefitingGrant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas-based nonprofit marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The Foundation provides mental health education, resources and support to children, teens and their families across North Texas. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, with KXT 91.7 serving as media sponsor.
The baseball-themed evening featured a silent auction filled with autographed sports memorabilia, celebrity dinners at some of Dallas’ most beloved restaurants and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Volunteers, dressed in Texas Rangers T-shirts, passed out baseball-inspired snacks as guests visited with one another and took in the iconic Longhorn Ballroom’s memorabilia-filled setting.
As the show began, Nadel was surprised with a birthday video tribute featuring messages from many of his family and friends before taking the stage.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 75th birthday than by bringing people together for great music and an even greater cause,” Nadel said. “Grant Halliburton Foundation is doing critical work to give young people and families the mental health resources and support they need, and I’m grateful to everyone who came out to help make that work possible.”
Nadel then introduced Bay Area favorite Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes, who opened the evening with a lively set. Prophet’s music has been described as intoxicatingly rhythmic, with flashes of rock ’n’ roll, punk, surf and soul.
Following the performance, Nadel welcomed Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, to the stage.
“Tonight, we celebrate two meaningful milestones: Eric’s 75th birthday and Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year,” Hall said. “Eric is a great friend to the Foundation and a powerful voice for mental health. We’re grateful for his continued support to help bring hope and help to young people and families across North Texas.”
After a special 20th anniversary video highlighting the Foundation’s mission and impact, auctioneer Dean McCurry invited guests who purchased beads to stand for a spirited game of heads or tails. He then led the live auction, which included a Texas Rangers suite for 12, a Napa Valley getaway, dinner with Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and more.
Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends closed the evening with an energetic performance blending classic rock, folk and funk with soul and jazz influences. As the band took the stage, guests rushed forward to dance near the stage, creating a lively and joyful finale to the birthday celebration.
About Grant Halliburton Foundation
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help prevent suicide by providing education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health.
For two decades, the Foundation has provided mental health education and training to more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. The Foundation also offers help and support through HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools provide easy access for North Texans seeking information and resources for mental health and substance abuse. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.