City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the proposed zoning change to three tracts just east of South Congress Avenue while signaling that there is much negotiating and bargaining awaiting the project, which aims to revive part of the Austin Opera House property as a music venue. The owners of the three tracts, known […]
Live Music Capital of the World
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
How sound permits regulate the Austin music scene
In the Live Music Capital of the World, sound and noise policy is critical both to those who enjoy the entertainment industry and those who live within earshot. On Wednesday, the city’s Environmental Commission was briefed on the different types of sound permits and how they are enforced. While sound management is in the commission’s […]
Posted inPlanning
Rezoning to bring back Austin Opry House headed for Council vote
The revival of storied music venue Austin Opry House moved one step closer to reality Tuesday when the Planning Commission recommended rezoning the site at 200 Academy Drive to make way for a mixed-use development. Beyond reviving the 1,200-capacity venue, plans include a museum of Austin music, 100 residential units, commercial space and a public […]
Posted inCity Hall
Cultural trust RFP expected as new EDC considers handling Live Music Fund
The city’s new economic development corporation could issue its first call for development partners next month, with the goal of preserving or creating spaces that can be used by local musicians and arts groups that are increasingly being displaced. At last week’s Music Commission meeting, Emmett Beliveau, a board member for the EDC, said the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Covid relief for musicians expected by December, with Live Music Fund taking shape
Local musicians impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic are expected to receive federal relief funds by December, thanks to alterations to a pair of music funding programs recommended by the Music Commission. As of last month, city staffers had been concerned that the grants of $1,000-$2,000 could be delayed into the new year because the Covid […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission pushes Council to recommit to $10M aid plan for venues
The Music Commission has asked the city to hold to a May decision to provide another $10 million in federal assistance to Austin music venues, in response to recent recommendations by staff to reduce the next aid package to $4 million. At Monday’s meeting, the commission unanimously approved the resolution, referencing Council Member Vanessa Fuentes’ […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Proposed live music grants could fund hundreds of concerts
The city is seeking feedback in the initial guidelines for the long-planned Live Music Fund, which would provide hundreds of grants of up to $10,000 for independent musicians and promoters to create new concerts and festivals throughout the city. Total proposed funding for the program stands at $2.5 million, with grant amounts ranging from $5,000-$10,000 […]
Posted inAustin
Austin’s music and arts community to receive windfall from American Rescue Plan
The American Rescue Plan spells huge relief for Austin’s music and arts scene. In a resolution passed last Thursday, City Council proposed spending $25 million over a two-year period to revive the city’s creative industry, mostly using money from Austin’s $188.4 million cut of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package. While Austin’s creative sector has received some […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Austin to loosen Covid vaccine, distancing rules for live music and events
Austin’s live music and arts scenes have been hurting in the pandemic. But as more and more Central Texans get vaccinated and Covid-related hospitalizations wane, the city known for live music is priming itself for a return to relative normalcy. As part of that process, the Austin Center for Events announced Wednesday that it’s revising the health […]
Posted inAustin
City awards second round of SAVES funds to closed music venues
The city has begun awarding grants to 28 music venues selected to receive assistance from a $5 million program created to help preserve businesses that have been largely closed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last spring. The grants of up to $140,000 each were the second phase of awards from the Save Austin’s […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
City, live music advocates decry legislation that would limit noise regulations
City leaders and live music advocates spoke out Monday against a bill in the Texas Legislature that would limit the ability of cities to regulate amplified sound from bars and music venues. The press conference at downtown club 3Ten was held in response to House Bill 3813, which was filed by Rep. Cody Harris of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
City distributes $1.34M in venue assistance, with more funding on the way
The city has awarded $1.34 million in assistance to live music venues that have been mostly or entirely closed since March, with another round of city funds available and billions in federal assistance on the way soon. As of this week, the first round of $20,000 grants from the Music Venue Preservation Fund has been […]