Charlie Willie Foundation chose Jason Boland to headline airport festival

The Charlie Willie Foundation selected Jason Boland & The Stragglers to lead its annual music festival, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at North Texas Regional Airport, according to its event announcement. The foundation says the fundraiser supports Christmas assistance for North Texas families, along with local FFA chapters and programs serving area veterans.

Bottomland was also on the organizer’s published bill, which included Dustin Perkins, Jared Mitchell and Tanner Legg. The announcement placed the Charlie Willie Music Fest between 6 and 10 p.m. Central Time. Those details describe the organizer’s plans; the listing does not establish which performances took place.

Grayson County is home to the airport, whose 2024 annual report gives its position as six miles northwest of Sherman and seven miles southwest of Denison. The foundation’s choice continued its use of the venue on its festival calendar: the airport also appeared in the organizer’s announcement for Sept. 6, 2025.

Christmas assistance is one of the foundation’s stated uses for festival proceeds. In its account of the program, the organization reports helping more than 50 children in Grayson County during the 2025 holiday season. It has set a target of helping 100 children in 2026.

The foundation’s education plans include a scholarship program it announced for Texoma FFA students in 2026. According to its website, that support is intended to help students undertake leadership and career development projects and pursue higher education.

The organization also explains its purpose through its namesake, Charles William Dishner, known as Charlie Willie. Its website says the foundation was created in his memory, with service to the community and his devotion to family and music guiding its work.

Boland’s connection to Red Dirt music goes back to his student years in Stillwater. His official biography places the formation of the Stragglers there while he attended Oklahoma State University. Their recording catalog began with Pearl Snaps, released in 1999.

Denison’s efforts to develop its music businesses include participation in the Texas Music Office’s certification program. A December 2020 announcement from the governor’s office confirmed the city’s designation as a Music Friendly Community and described business development as the program’s purpose.

The city’s own concert offerings included its 2026 Music on Main series. Denison’s calendar advertised a July 31 appearance by Ray Wylie Hubbard at Forest Park with free admission.