The Austin Music Minute is supported by Howler Brothers, an Austin-based designer of creative outdoor apparel since 2011, and by Planet K, Austin’s local hemp emporium since 1990.
Aaron Brown and Lenny Barszap, founders of Been There, recognized a motivating way to inspire the community to take action. Nothing has changed the urgency to end homelessness; if anything, it’s increased to devastating levels. But Brown and Barszap created their organization to motivate people through film, art, music – the immediacy of creativity as a catalyst for societal change. The answers to end homelessness are already there, Brown says, but bringing the message to people this way is an extra potent shot of hope and renewed determination. The Been There mantra: “Let’s have fun doing good to put homelessness behind us.”
Been There’s annual fundraiser Been There 4, at Radio East this year, is serving up light in abundance with a gargantuan musical line-up: Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike, Ben Kweller (“Optimystic” from Cover the Mirrors is featured on today’s AMM), Grandmaster, TC Superstar, Lucas Hudgins, Ruby Jane, and the Sunrise Band, plus tribute bands DeadEye and Panic Stricken. All proceeds from the event support Austin nonprofits working to end homelessness. Doors are open now, and the party lasts ’til midnight.
