The Red River Extended Hours Pilot Program is an initiative to help the venues generate additional revenue while maintaining residential quality of life. The initial 6-month pilot temporarily allows the venues to have live music one additional hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from May 1st through November 1st. The results so far show the venues earning more revenue, venue staff and local musicians getting paid more, sound impact being managed effectively, and significantly improved communication and relationships between venues and nearby neighborhoods. The pilot program will be at City Council on October 19th where we will be proposing that the pilot be extended an additional six months, and signaling our intent to work with all of the stakeholders, and come back with a final recommendation as soon as possible.

For more information please visit the pilot website at www.austintexas.gov/page/red-river-pilot-program

Join us Tuesday, October 24th at 1:30pm CST live from our Facebook page for a conversation with staff. Learn about programs, upcoming events and resources the Division offers.  Get your questions ready!

 

#ATXMusicTalks is a series presented by the Music & Entertainment Division with a goal of developing a forum to foster industry discussion about various aspects of Austin's live music industry.

On Thursday, September 28th record producers gathered to dive into conversations spotlighting needs for future business growth. The top three needs identified were: 1) Restructuring of grants for better music business accessibility, and also the creation of exploratory grants; 2) Marketing ATX nationally and internationally not only as a live music city but also a recording city; 3) More revenue opportunities for musicians with upward mobility, including the recruitment of music publishers. 

The Music Commission met on Monday, October 2nd and discussed their goals for 2018.  The main ideas deliberated included:  the use of hotel occupancy tax funds for music; making music accessible to kids, developing a stronger musical middle class; affordability and putting more money in the pockets of musicians; and accepting all genres and greater diversity including new music. Each commissioner committed to a topic he/she would personally like to champion.  Some of these were:  to bring music to their district; bridge the gap between university and music entities and educate Austinites about the music industry; advocate for musicians through professional development and find ways for musicians to monetize more efficiently; find avenues to put money in musicians' hands; bring independent and public organizations together to draw conclusions.