Your guess is as good as mine on when live music venues will reopen. I’ve seen show listings at some venues as early as August, but as we know, anything can change before then. And what will that look like when they do open? Independent venues rely on maximum capacity to make ends meet. Meanwhile, rent is still due every month and their employees like production managers, sound engineers, bartenders and door people are out of work until shows can go on.
Many of us have our favorite places to see live music and along with that, favorite bar staff. Show your venue pride by buying merch and giving a virtual tip to your favorite bartenders!
-Deidre Gott, Live Music Booker/Producer
Antone’s
The “Home of the Blues” venue has plans to celebrate their 45th anniversary July 14th and are asking for donations for their staff and resident musicians out of work during this time.
Merch for sale: Visit their online store Big Henry’s Vinyl and Gifts for a big selection of merch and music for sale. Standouts include Antone’s coveralls, harmonica and lots of great show poster reprints.
Barracuda
The place that lets me throw a Dolly Parton Birthday celebration has a pay pal set up for bar staff unable to work.
Merch for Sale: T-shirts and a Barry’s Royalty Key which will get you free entry into any and all barracuda shows for the remainder of 2020. Available at Austin retailer Fine Southern Gentlemen
The venue has also added a Barry’s Club Fan membership. You monthly contribution will get you merch and tickets to shows when they re-open.
Cactus Cafe
KUTX‘s listening room on the University of Texas‘ campus is a non-profit venue funded solely on ticket sales. You may turn your ticket purchase to a cancelled performance into a charitable donation to the Cactus Cafe or make a donation via their online operations fundraiser here.
Cheer Up Charlies
The only venue I know of where you can drink kombucha on tap while watching an up-and-coming Austin band has set up a gofundme for their bar staff.
Continental Club, Gallery, and C-Boys
The Continental Family Relief Fund has been set up for employees of the South Congress music venues.
Merch for Sale: Lots of t-shirts, pins and vintage posters
Far Out Lounge
This way South Austin venue has golden tickets for sale to help offset wages lost during this time. These are good for any upcoming show at their venue through the end of 2022.
Merch for Sale: Lots of cool show posters for sale on Etsy.
Hole In the Wall
Open since 1974, the Drag’s live music staple (and favorite after-work drink spot for KUTX and KUT staff) has a long history of giving Austin musicians a chance to hone their craft (read some stories here). A Venmo account has been set up to split between their bar staff.
Venmo: @hitw-staff
Hotel Vegas
East 6th venue has a pay pal account set up for bar staff. To further help out employees, the bar has added new curbside/delivery hours from their food truck – Thurs/Fri 4-8pm and Sat/Sun 2-8pm. Place your order here.
Merch for Sale: Hotel Vegas approved apparel available at Fine Southern Gentlemen
Mohawk
Defending Red River since 2006. An Austin institution responsible for bringing some of the biggest acts to their awesome outdoor stage.
Merch for Sale: Grab the classic “Defend Red River” and “All are Welcome” tees on their merch site
Radio Coffee & Beer
The South Austin venue where we host our monthly Radio X concert series has a gofundme set up for their baristas and bar staff
Merch for Sale: Order Radio Blend Coffee or any of their great merchandise at their online store.
Sahara Lounge
The far East venue that regularly hosts a wide range of world music from all over has a gofundme set up to help with venue costs while they are closed.
Saxon Pub
Saxon Pub is accepting donations for their hard working bar staff.
Stay Gold
This Eastside venue has a Venmo account set up for you to virtually tip your bartenders. Venmo: @staygoldaustin
Stubb’s
The great-granddaddy of Red River clubs.
Merch for Sale: T-shirts, polos, hoodies and more for people of all ages available on their online store
White Horse
This two-steppin’ Eastside venue has a Venmo set up for bar staff. Venmo: @WhiteHorseATX
Merch for Sale: Don’t be an asshole. Grab a White Horse tee from Austin retailer Fine Southern Gentleman
KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.
