Austin - the "Live Music Capital of the World"

Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World", is a- In the summer, local businesses support a series of
slogan based on the very essence of this city that isfree blues shows in Zilker Park
supported by residents and local government alike.Memorials:
There are virtually hundreds of venues where locals- Austin Music Memorial at the Joe R. and Teresa
and visitors can enjoy every type of live musicLozano Long Center for the Performing Arts honors
imaginable.deceased individuals who have contributed to the
In 1991, blues musician Lillian Standfield approached themusic community in some way.
City's Music Commission to propose Austin be labeled- Stevie Ray Vaughan has a striking life size memorial
the "Music Capital of the USA". After extensiveat Lady Bird Lake.
research, city officials discovered that Austin had moreLocal Promotion:
live music venues per capita than any of the major- Music on Hold is a program where local music is
cities including Nashville, New York City or Las Vegas.played in the City's telephone hold music system.
It was suggested the city slogan be upgraded to the- Austin Music Channel is a local station devoted to
"Live Music Capital of the Universe", but the councilshowcasing local talent.
compromised, and on August 29, 1991, the "Live Music- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has live music
Capital of the World" became Austin's official slogan.throughout three different venues in the terminal.
Since that day, Austin has more than 'walked its talk'.- City council meetings include live music in their weekly
Not only do they organize a number of regular musicalsessions.
events, they have integrated music into the day to day- Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau actively
running of the local government. City officials have alsopromote "Live Music Capital of the World" as a travel
developed various programs to assist up-and-comingdestination and also provide assistance in booking local
musicians with the promotion of their music. Here aremusicians.
just a few of the events and programs supported by- Texas Music Office - Texas Talent Registry
this city.provides a listing of over 1700 bands and their contact
Eventsinformation.
- Live from the Plaza provides a series of freeLocal Government Support:
concerts on the plaza at City Hall.- Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program
- Parks and Recreation provides an extensiveprovides loans to individuals or companies involved in
calendar of events that have musical performances.music, film, art and technology.
They sponsor annual events such as the Trail of- The Austin Music Economic Impact Study describes
Lights (a holiday music venue) and a number ofhow music affects the economy and discusses
summer concerts.various ideas to promote the music community.
- South by Southwest is a major annual film and music- Austin Energy is a rebate program that provides
festival.energy savings incentives to over 220 of Austin's live
- The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a three-daymusic venues.
music and art festival held in the fall.