For those Netroots Nation attendees who are wondering what in the world that could mean, I've put together an explanation of how Austin came by that nickname, and how it translates into reality.
From the City of Austin's website:
While Austin's music heritage traces back to frontier days, it was not until 1991 that blues musician Lillian Standfield, returning from a gig in Houston, saw a city limits sign and thought the City needed a slogan to promote music. She approached the City's Music Commission with the idea of Austin becoming the "Music Capital of the USA." City staff research found that Austin had more live music venues per capita than such music hotbeds as Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or New York City.
The City of Austin's support of local music scene is one of the things that draws musicians here year after year.
It's more than just a slogan. Music is a driver of the "creative economy" that translates into millions of dollars annually for Austin. Austin City government recognizes that music is one of the things that makes Austin special, and has several programs to help musicians and promote their music.
Among my favorite city-sponsored programs:
When one arrives at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the music being played over the PA system is all local musicians (I've even heard myself a couple of times!). While you're waiting in the lounge for your flight after Netroots Nation, you may even be serenaded by a local musician live. You can find where and when the music occurs at the airport at here.
If you should happen to call the City of Austin and they put you on hold, the music you hear will also be local. Their take on it is "You may end up ASKING to be placed on hold after hearing the City of Austin's home-grown telephone system hold music!" A copy of their current playlist can be found here
There's also a Talent Register with 1700 bands (This is actually sponsored by the State of Texas), live music at City Council meetings, a music channel (15 on Time/Warner and Grandecom), music on the Plaza in front of City Hall (unfortunately not during the month of July -- too hot, I suppose.) There is loan assistance for creative arts, and a host of other programs.
On a less official level, there's music in the restaurants and bars, music at the grocery store (Central Market), and even at the Farmer's Markets: Republic Square (Wednesdays, 4-8pm and Saturdays, 9am-1pm), Sunset Valley (Saturdays, 9-1) are two fine examples.
Live Music listings can be found in:
The Austin-American Statesman's XLent section which comes out on Thursdays and The Austin Chronicle weekly which also comes out on Thursdays. It's probably at your hotel, but if not, you can find it in most of the shops on 6th Street.
And doing our part to keep the "Live Music Capital of the World" reputation alive, this is a quote from a diary I posted last Wednesday about the show I've put together specially for Netroots Nation early arrivals, where you can find pics and more info:
Presenting their original music will be Steve Brooks, Bill Colbert, Jan Seides (Hey! That's me!) and The Therapy Sisters. The songs will cover a wide range of subjects, from the political to the humorous to the haunting. All that is happening at The Hideout Coffee House 617 Congress Ave, (512) 476-0473, on Wednesday evening, July 16th, from 9 - 11 pm..
The Hideout is at 7th and Congress - walking distance from the Convention Center and nearby hotels. Hope I see you there!