Live music venues in Texas are still closed because of the pandemic, and it’s unclear how the live music scene will change once they reopen.
KUTX live music producer Diedre Gott says these venues are already vulnerable in the best of times. But the pandemic has ratcheted up the pressure on venue owners.
“Independent venues rely on maximum capacity to make ends meet,” Gott says. “Meanwhile, rent is still due every month, and their employees are out of work until shows can go on.”
But Gott says music streaming events this weekend will support some Austin music venues so they have a future beyond the pandemic.
This Weekend’s Quarantine Streams:
Unheard Recordings From Antone’s
Who: Red Young & His Hot Horns
When: Friday, May 8, 8 p.m. CST
Where: Facebook
“Over the last five years, [Antone’s] production manager and chief audio engineer, Myles Crosby, has recorded hundreds of live shows never heard before outside of the venue,” Gott says. “Every Friday, until the club reopens, the team will handpick one of those gigs to livestream in its entirety.”
Red Young is originally from Fort Worth, and has played for years with artists like Linda Ronstadt, Sonny & Cher, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. In honor of his 71st birthday, Antone’s will stream one of his gigs from July 2016.
At Home With ACL Live
Who: Hayes Carll and Alex Maas, lead singer of the Black Angels
When: Carll on Friday, May 8, 8 p.m. CST; Maas on Wednesday, May 13, 8 p.m. CST
Where: Facebook
“ACL Live, the newest home of the PBS program ‘Austin City Limits,’ announced a new livestream series called ‘At Home With ACL Live,'” Gott says. “All of these can be watched from ACL Live’s Facebook [page], with more livestreams being announced in the coming weeks.”
Tip Your Bartenders Livestream Series
Who: TC Superstar with special guests, Pelvis Wrestley and Indoor Creature
When: Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m. CST
Where: Instagram
“Small, independent venues are crucial as a place for young bands to cut their teeth and grow a fan base,” Gott says. “Austin indie-pop band TC Superstar created a weekly livestream called ‘Tip Your Bartenders’ in an effort to give back to some of their favorite local venues. The series comes to an end this weekend, benefiting the Austin Red River venue Swan Dive.”
Lots of clubs have been trying to support furloughed staff through merchandise and online fundraisers.
“Some venues have gotten crafty by creating membership tiers, where your purchase now can be cashed in for a show later. All of these are ways you can support your beloved venues right now to ensure they’ll still be around when we’re able to get out and see live music in person.”
Listen to the full story in the audio player above to hear these songs:
“Black Grease” by the Black Angels
“Dana Be Mine” by TC Superstar
“Sunday Afternoon” by the Black Angels
“Let the Good Times Roll” by Red Young & His Hot Horns, from a KUTX Studio 1A Performance
Web story by Kristen Cabrera.
If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT.org. Thanks for donating today.
