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(Laura Figi/Austonia)
The Austin City Limits festival flags have taken their rightful place in Zilker Park heading into what would have been one of the festival's weekends before the coronavirus brought coordinators to cancel the festival for a virtual one.
<p>The flags, put up on Wednesday, will decorate the park until Sunday, when the virtual festival is scheduled to end, according to Fresh and Clean Media director of publicity Sandee Fenton.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a8f003d3a9f1843f4e90ab7623c9704c" id="99eac"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1314231025787170824"><div style="margin:1em 0">Current view. 👀 To celebrate #ACLFest 2020, the flags are now up in Zilker Park through Sunday! Tune in starting Fr… https://t.co/LbtwiTWxGx</div> — ACL Festival (@ACL Festival)<a href="https://twitter.com/aclfestival/statuses/1314231025787170824">1602172068.0</a></blockquote></div><p>In an email to Austonia, Fenton said the beloved ACL fest flags were installed with help from the Austin Parks Foundation in Zilker Park as public art and a reminder that ACL is continuing to entertain, as well as advocate for and improve parks around Austin. Fenton said the flags were put up in consultation with the Public Health Department with hand sanitizing stations nearby.<br/></p><p>Michael Oliva, who was enjoying the flags with his son, said even though he will miss the festival this year, he knows the cancelation is better for the community.</p><p>"It's safer for the community right now, just given our current circumstance with the population that usually comes into town (and the) close contact," Oliva said. "I think it's just the best way to do things right now."</p><p>For Joe Perricone and Mirezha Guevara, who attended the festival last year, the flags represent a sense of positivity and normalcy in the community.</p><p>"It feels like they're still trying to have that feeling, getting us outside; and trying to get us ready for next year," Perricone said. "(The flags) kind of help put Austin on the map and reinforce the positivity of the community."</p><p>Virtual ACL will begin 7 p.m. Friday and continue in the evenings through Sunday via YouTube.</p><p><strong>More on virtual ACL:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/acl-virtual-lineup" target="_self">ACL announces virtual lineup</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ2OTk1Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDkzNjQwMH0.eqcQiGTpnNq5EN3M_bTLL4maGh_Ir6L4M0Llid7q-ZM/img.png?width=980" id="1285b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fc74abd02bf4b3cb57e6377dbd8d1155" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />ACL announces virtual lineup
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(Laura Figi/Austonia)
The wait is over—Austin City Limits has released the 2020 artist lineup for this year's virtual festival that will take place this weekend, in line with what would have been the in-person festival's second weekend.
<p>The virtual festival will kickoff at 7 p.m. Oct. 9-11 via YouTube and will feature some curated sets from previous ACL festivals as well as several new performances. </p><p>The event will include the performances of Billie Eilish from 2019, Paul McCartney from 2018, Radiohead from 2016 and Willie Nelson from 2016. New performances will include Jackie Venson, Otis the Destroyer, Black Pumas, Mobley and more.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="33e8953b6ee66c71e26c60279c1ed0ad" id="f25f3"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1313494321627385856"><div style="margin:1em 0">The Official #ACLFest 2020 Schedule is out now! ✨ Set your reminder on YouTube and watch for free starting Friday a… https://t.co/dFVG3M20ql</div> — ACL Festival (@ACL Festival)<a href="https://twitter.com/aclfestival/statuses/1313494321627385856">1601996424.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Though the festival will not gather at Zilker Park this year, ACL still intends to throw the festival in person in 2021.<br/></p><p><br/></p><p><strong>More on virtual ACL:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/virtual-acl-2020" target="_self">ACL makes plans to go virtual this year</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDMxODQ5Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0Nzg3NDE0M30.Mtjam-weYzXlftHO5C5zWNBN09HIvySedM-h5UKjZAo/img.jpg?width=980" id="7be68" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0de93ee938926622e638305724367b0d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />ACL makes plans to go virtual this year
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(Flickr)
Austin's own Chris Bosh has made the jump from basketball to music officially producing his first single "I Want It All" with Bastrop artist Deezie Brown.
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</div></blockquote></div><p>Bosh, a two-time NBA champion, was forced to retire from his basketball career in 2016 after having a blood clot issue known as pulmonary embolism. After his career's abrupt ending, many fans wondered what the 32-year-old champion would do with all his spare time.<br/></p><p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2019/03/25/chris-bosh-miami-heat-jersey-retirement-lebron-james-dwyane-wade-pat-riley?xid=socialflow_twitter_si&utm_campaign=sinow&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated</a> in 2019, Bosh told Rohan Nadkarni about his music aspirations. </p><p>"I'm an aspiring record producer," Bosh said. "I've made many friends, I've had a lot of conversations, I've had some great moments making music with people, learning about music. Putting records together, working with artists, that has brought me a lot of joy. And I'm glad that I'm in a place where I can really, really put myself into that and learn the craft. It's been four years now. I'm getting better and more savvy in the space. I'm super happy that I have music. That was another thing, when I asked myself, what am I going to do? I had a guitar in my hand, and the next thing you know I was producing music." </p><p>Bosh and young artiest <a href="https://twitter.com/deeziebrown?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Deezie Brown</a> first met in 2018 when Bosh <a href="https://www.thehypemagazine.com/2020/10/deezie-brown-releases-i-want-it-all-produced-by-nba-great-chris-bosh-in-tribute-to-kobe-bryant/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">was given a tip from a local Austin radio station</a> about Brown's talent. For the past two years, Bosh has been working with Brown to help develop a unique sound. </p><p>The song, which was released before Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, was a tribute to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The single is on all streaming platforms now.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1c144b7b24c7659d5b189705dd8737cc" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rnyYIHUUR28?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">I Want It All -- Produced By Chris Bosh Ft. Deezie Brown</small>
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</p><p><br/></p><p><strong><br/>More on Chris Bosh:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/college-athletes-election-day-off" target="_self">College athletes get a win with Election Day off every year, effort led by local NBA champ Chris Bosh</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQxNzQ0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNDgwNjMwMX0.RDLoOZCYV4aW8Qy6xrqHkxCg1aKHjx24THkoE-FoajU/img.jpg?width=980" id="87b2e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fa04ae05426420c7ee22a15154714002" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />College athletes get a win with Election Day off every year, effort led by local NBA champ Chris Bosh
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(Joe Lanane)
Austin musicians and venue owners rally outside City Hall for COVID-19 relief in the wake of the pandemic Monday.
Music venues and other businesses deemed vital to Austin's culture and vitality were given a $15 million lifeline Thursday.
<p>Austin City Council unanimously approved the <a href="http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincouncilforum/EE-20201001095011.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SAVES Resolution</a>, which allocated COVID-19 relief money evenly among three major funds:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>$5 million: Music Venue Preservation Fund</li><li>$5 million: Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant</li><li>$5 million: Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant</li></ul><p>Music venues qualify for the first two funds, making them technically eligible for up to $10 million in relief money—the amount that advocates requested earlier this week <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-musicians-rally" target="_self">during a City Hall rally</a>. The extra support for music venues recognizes the special place they have in the community, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="31163218fab938eec87b5f07c4e70f28" id="80409"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1311808693319720964"><div style="margin:1em 0">City Council passed the SAVES resolution that creates a dedicated music venue preservation fund. This is only the 1… https://t.co/J1qjNuWsSr</div> — Austin Texas Musicians (@Austin Texas Musicians)<a href="https://twitter.com/atxmusicians/statuses/1311808693319720964">1601594539.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Qualifying restaurants, bars and art organizations will also receive money from the Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant. Similarly, the Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant will support both in-home and center-based providers.<br/></p><p>A city spokesperson confirmed the qualifications and process for applying will be established "in due course." The actions approved Thursday by council members allow city staff to proceed as outlined <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=347658" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">in a memo issued Monday</a>. </p><p>Where does all this money come from? City staff proposals were revised slightly, landing on these three major sources:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>$8.5 million: Sales tax revenues</li><li>$6 million: Financial Services Department Capital Budget</li><li>$500,000: Building Services Department Capital Budget</li></ul><p>Other relief funding sources, mostly proposed by Council Member Kathie Tovo, could come back to the council in the next month to fund a Business Preservation Fund and Live Music Fund. Council Member Greg Casar also asked staff to ensure there is a "fair and inclusive" distribution process, which is laid out to applicants in a transparent manner. City staff said that emphasis is already in place.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>Related:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-musicians-rally" target="_self">Musicians rally at City Hall for COVID-19 relief</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NDExMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDE2MjE5OH0.q91citlrplnsnu4mHFHyQS7zEODdW8ho-f-Gt9VViWk/img.jpg?width=980" id="1aa68" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d39a688940f0f8a6a6f5fc8dbb9a5f96" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Musicians rally at City Hall for COVID-19 relief(Joe Lanane)
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youtu.be
Make Me Feel by Jackie Venson (Live Performance and Lyric Video)
Austin native and musician Jackie Venson broke 1.5 million live streams during her summer concert series, ranking ninth on Pollstar's Top 50 Livestreamers list for Q3.
<p>With COVID-19 sending the live music industry to a screeching halt, many musicians have elected to postpone or cancel performances in favor of live streaming their tunes. Venson, like others, spent the summer live streaming from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jackievenson" target="_blank">Facebook</a> with a total of 22 shows between May 5 to Aug. 19, Pollstar reports.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1ef449dbedf8198963c8b078c1c1c7a4" id="3ee50"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1310788108967989248"><div style="margin:1em 0">So y’all know how I went live all summer well... I made the @Pollstar top 50 Livestreamers AT NUMBER 9! 1.5 million… https://t.co/6iog1taYUZ</div> — Jackie Venson (@Jackie Venson)<a href="https://twitter.com/jackievenson/statuses/1310788108967989248">1601351213.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Venson is an Austin native, singer, songwriter, guitarist, classical pianist and the youngest of nine siblings. Her father, Andrew Venson, is also a professional musician and she credits him as her inspiration throughout her childhood.<br/></p><p>Venson told <a href="https://australianmusician.com.au/jackie-venson/" target="_blank">Australian Musician</a> having a musician in the family can make the goal of becoming a musician yourself feel more attainable.</p><p>"A lot of people like music and they think they have an affinity for it but if nobody else in the family does, then they sometimes don't see it as a possibility," Venson said. "Having my dad as a professional musician, it's like ... you can do this, it's hard but you can do this."</p><p>Venson attended Berklee College of Music without ever having picked up a guitar until her last year at school. From there, she devoted her time to the guitar and in 2019, Venson became the first Black woman to win "Best Guitarist" at the Austin Music Awards, as well as the first Black woman to co-host the awards in 2020.</p><p>An Austin enthusiast, she said Austin is the best place in the world to become a musician.</p>Though she made her mark live streaming, Venson will return to the stage for an intimate in-person show at <a href="https://acl-live.com/calendar/jackie-venson-2?utm_source=social" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ACL Live on Oct. 3</a> for The Lounge Series.<p><strong>More on live streaming:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/11-austin-online-live-music-performances" target="_self">11 ways to get your Austin live music fix online</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU0MTkwNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTc3NjAwNn0.0v_7lMZDyTyWjqIupbJUKd-IzyGG7l83qnL6TAjKfC4/img.jpg?width=980" id="ec6b7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bc18c4f6b825f9c5254d44cd418290ef" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />11 ways to get your Austin live music fix online
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(Austonia/Instagram)
Life was so sweet for music junkies in the Live Music Capital of the World—up until the venues closed, the stages went dark, and the world of Austin music closed down.
Miss your places? Miss your people? Miss blowing all your money on music?
<p>Don't fret, fans!</p><p>You may not be sitting on the patio at Sahara or chilling in the Continental Gallery on a Wednesday evening, but in the months that Austin has been on lockdown, local musicians, venues and studios have figured out how to bring a world of live music to you online.</p><p>So check out our sampling of the myriad ways you can get your live music fix from your own home, any day of the week. This is not comprehensive—start with these and go down the rabbit hole on your own! </p><p>From studios to artists to venues to radio stations, we have a solid list that will get you started on your journey back into the live music world that is the very heart of our city.</p><p>Also, these are regular shows, not one-offs, and they are all free or very cheap—but if you have the means, you'll find a link to let you tip the musicians or bartenders.</p><p>It's going to be a long road back, but as Patrice Pike would say, keep the faith and, as we all would say, long live the music.</p>
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Jagtronica Wednedsays, Purple Bee TV
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9a2cab8a9562f05e4d4667d82dfca7bd"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KbeRftaXIZg?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Interstellar grooves and psychedelic explorations improvised by a full band - live in the <a href="http://purplebeetv.org" target="_blank">Purple Bee</a> studios. Wednesdays 8 p.m.</p>Patrice Pike Band Keep the Faith Livestream
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a94897344c627ae7362202afe441fa05"><div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/PatricePikeBand/videos/324002002065701" data-allowfullscreen="true"></div></div><p>Iconic hard rock favorite unplugs in her home space. Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. </p>Afro Jazz Saturdays at the Sahara Lounge
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d5519cfcd8eee1dc9add8a63b3c1b66f"><div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SaharaLoungeATX/videos/217338429591881" data-allowfullscreen="true"></div></div><p>Join this East Austin gem of a bar for regular virtual live shows from the stage, including a regular online residency by African jazz musicians Ibrahim Aminou and Aboubacar Sylla. Saturdays 8 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/SaharaLoungeATX</p>KUTX Livestreams
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="950f84e2286e0dc0304d59aa99edfbc1"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QNVfbrr_v0M?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>This local Austin-centric arm of KUT hosts various performance livestreams nearly every day of the week. Find their schedule here. </p>Live in the Virtual Gallery with Bonnie Whitmore
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGY29udGVudCUyRjU2ZTVkNGU4MWQwN2MwNzQzZDI4MWQ2MyUyRjE1OTYxNDgzMjQ1MjctTlQ2VlFQM1ZNM0daR0VMNTQ1OEElMkZCVyUyQmF1Z3VzdC5wbmclM0Zmb3JtYXQlM0QxNTAwdyUyNmNvbnRlbnQtdHlwZSUzRGltYWdlJTJGcG5nJmhvPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGaW1hZ2VzLnNxdWFyZXNwYWNlLWNkbi5jb20mcz00OCZoPWQ0YmY4MjkzMTA2OTRkNjdjNzQ1ZmNhODhjNGQ3ZDI4YWY3YTE2ZDgyZjM3OTI4MjVkOGJmY2U3MTk0NjU2YWYmc2l6ZT05ODB4JmM9MTI2MDUxNzQxNiIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2NDg3MTY2NzJ9.J2ntaGHE00UZvxWETyI9XZ3xC3iC1nAAo8bk38ILkyA/img.jpg" id="72e14" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="dc34d23c5508b20dfea2642717052bfd" />August 2020 — Bonnie Whitmore <p>Raucous and talented local singer-songwriter Bonnie Whitmore brings back the Continental Gallery with musical guests every weekend. Fridays 8:30 p.m. </p>BettySoo's Nobody's Happy (Online and Isolated) Hour
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.gaEmnDK5F-J8rgXWUIAnXGHJOveE-ub3wm8UUPTLrhA/img.jpg" id="82829" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d4fa34ac0fa355da87c02e8572d3fe46" />BettySoo's Nobody's Happy Hour - Summer 2020 <p>Take the heartfelt lyrics of Townes and mix it with the comedic timing of Janeane Garofalo and the voice of an angel, you might come close to defining this engaging and popular performer. Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. </p>DJ Mel's Living Room Dance Party
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="45581c8bb0ae6cf0ddbe03e775d6825f"><div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=3446714958713944" data-allowfullscreen="true"></div></div><p>A streaming staple practically since the day the venues shut down, DJ Mel Cavaricci (aka DJ Mel) spins from his living room. Saturdays 6-10p.m.</p>Dreadneck Wednesdays from the Flamingo Cantina
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.Txy1LrSKsTPNG0dDU0xjlU2KkBu5cmcE8txaOdO8I_M/img.jpg" id="7c376" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ebccf8a39ef46845384013bb233d0747" />Dreadneck Wednesdays Live Stream w/ Mau Mau Chaplains <p>The Mau Mau Chaplains bring the irie back at this iconic 6th Street venue each week. Wednesdays 8:30 p.m. </p>James McMurtry's Wednesday residency
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="46c8760066753cce717a6a3335d5f43d"><div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/8637988681/videos/608632053134073" data-allowfullscreen="true"></div></div><p>A fixture on the alt-country music scene in Austin and beyond, McMurtry brings his weekly residency at Continental Club home to you (from his place) with opening acts. Wednesdays 8 p.m. </p>Not at Donn's Depot
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b8a0b32db58eccac4a2695a8eb2f4747"><div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/chrisgageaustin/videos/10159892023859008" data-allowfullscreen="true"></div></div><p>The slightly obvious but oh-so-telling title for pianist Chris Gage's Monday livestream, where he tickles the ivories from his home studio, joined occasionally by wife Christine Albert, and recreates his popular and long-running Monday residency at Donn's. Mondays 8 p.m. </p>Jackie Venson
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d41a9251d5c15ad731ae31c77455a79a"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/43xotR5fRNM?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Austin born-and-bred singer songwriter, brings her guitar and her truth-telling music to her live-streaming page. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. <a href="https://jackievenson.com/livestream/" target="_blank">https://jackievenson.com/livestream/</a></p>From Your Site Articles
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(Emma Freer/Austonia)
Ninety percent of Austin's live music venues are predicted to close permanently by Halloween, according to a survey of local businesses affected by COVID-19.
<p><a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/austin-venues-reopen" target="_blank">Live music venues</a> and <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/mixed-drinks-texas" target="_blank">bars face </a>the highest risk for closure, according to the survey, which was conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs. </p><p>Some iconic venues have already closed their doors, such as <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/threadgills-lamar-will-close-permanently" target="_blank">Threadgill's</a>, <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2020/5/11/21255063/shady-grove-zilker-permanent-closing" target="_blank">Shady Grove</a>, <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2020/6/10/21286623/red-river-music-venues-closed-barracuda-scratchouse-plush-downtown-austin" target="_blank">Barracuda, Scratchouse and Plush</a>. </p><p>The June survey, first reported by<a href="https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2020/07/survey-predicts-90-percent-of-austin-live-music-venues-to-close-by-halloween/" target="_blank"> the Austin Monitor</a>, included responses from more than 1,000 business owners. The Austin Chamber of Commerce commissioned the survey. </p>
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(Rob Hein)
Four weeks ago, with live music venues throughout Austin well into the grip of financial hardship from closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen Sternschein didn't see much cause for optimism.
<p>The co-owner of the Empire Control Room & Garage and The Parish was facing the same rent and utility costs—estimated at $40,000 per month for most clubs—as his peers, with no prospect of being able to restart his businesses anytime soon. And he knew other owners around Austin were starting to dig deep into their savings to pay their bills and hold off on possibly deciding to close for good.</p><p>Something big had to be done to save independent clubs in Austin and around the country.</p><p>And so, with a consortium of fellow owners and promoters around the country, the one-time entertainment attorney made dozens of calls and organized online meetings to help form the National Independent Venue Association.</p><p> That group has taken up lobbying efforts to push for federal aid for more than 1,300 member clubs, and expects to see action taken in Congress this week that could deliver a much-needed win.</p><p>"I choose be optimistic and believe we are going to have our sunny day, and that it's going to happen soon," he said. "I can't read any tea leaves and say that tomorrow we're going to be open, but four weeks ago I just thought that we really need some piece of good news to look forward."</p><p>The association has garnered attention quickly, with press outlets like <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/news/independent-venues-danger-closing-covid-niva-995044/" target="_blank"><u>Rolling Stone</u></a> and the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/06/arts/music/independent-venues-coronavirus.html" target="_blank"><u>New York Times</u></a> laying out the case for why music venues that are historically thin-margined even in good economic times face such a precarious future.</p><p>The packed-in, sweaty social dynamics of live concerts make them an unappealing prospect during a time of quarantine and social distancing. Plus there's the wrinkle that the live acts needed to draw audiences into clubs aren't in a hurry to get back in front of crowds of people who could be virus carriers.</p><p>"What we're struggling with is [figuring out]—what is the right moment to reopen? In terms of how long we'll be stuck financially, it's definitely going to be through the end of this year, if not through the end of next year," Sternschein said.</p><p>"It almost doesn't matter when we open our doors because for a period of time of at least six months we're not going to be in a position to make money, and will probably lose a bunch of money. People want to come back and party but they're not going to do it now and feel safe."</p><p>That upside-down business model means venues will need financial lifelines to stay afloat and have any chance to reopen.</p><p>There is some cause for optimism for Austin venues. City leaders are <a href="https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2020/05/council-pushes-for-economic-development-body-to-lead-purchase-preservation-of-venue-spaces/" target="_blank"><u>examining</u></a> how much of the $170.8 million available from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act could be used to assist those businesses. Earlier this month the Red River Cultural District <a href="https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2020/05/red-river-district-pushes-city-to-commit-35m-to-purchase-venue-properties/" target="_blank"><u>proposed</u></a> that $2 million per month of closure would be needed to preserve the 54 small businesses that have been identified as primarily live music venues by the Music Venue Alliance of Austin.</p><p>NIVA estimates slow action or lack of large-scale relief could cause up to 90% of its member venues to close in the coming year.</p><p>Those dire prospects make possible votes in Congress this week crucial. Sternschein, who has led fundraising efforts for the group that helped to hire a lobbying firm, has spent his time engaging with major brands to begin building long-term support for venues in a post-pandemic economy.</p><p>He said prospects for federal financial aid in the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives has never been a concern, and that a <a href="https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-carper-lead-letter-urging-support-independent-music-venues-during-pandemic" target="_blank"><u>letter of support</u></a> from Sen. John Cornyn filed late last week gives a needed boost for a vote in the Republican-majority Senate.</p><p>"I'm going to frame that [letter] and put it on my wall," he said. "It represents the biggest group effort I've ever been a part of. It's so incredible because we went from nobody knowing who we were as independent venues … even eight weeks go no one in politics outside of Austin knew about this part of music other than big festivals like Coachella. Nobody would have had one word to say about independent venues. Today, we have a majority of the House and Senate supporting initiatives we've brought to them in the past few weeks."</p><p>Much is still to be decided, but the possible combination of assistance at the federal and city levels would provide some needed financial cover for Austin venues that are crucial to the city's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World.</p><p>So far the most high-profile music spot to close during the pandemic is the <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-icon-shady-grove-closes-permanently" target="_self"><u>Shady Grove restaurant</u></a> on Barton Springs Road. Over the weekend the owners of dance club Plush, which was a prominent space for live acts during South By Southwest, announced the club will not reopen, creating the first pandemic-related vacancy among the cluster of music venues in the Red River Cultural District.</p><p>Cody Cowan, executive director of the RRCD, said many owners are "holding their breath underwater," tapping into their personal savings and trying to wait out the closures due to the coronavirus. While he continues to push for local relief at city hall, Cowan said NIVA's work gives hope to venues around the country.</p><p>"We're in the game, and it seems like the level of camaraderie that's happened nationwide is inspiring," he said. "Steve represents the creative hunger we have in our community. Many folks are pretty invisible but it's the handful of people like Steve who have this relentless drive for innovation and sustainability who have allowed us to come together and evolve past our previous tribalism."</p>
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