In the latest episode of Pause/Play Homer Hill tells the story of the Urban Music Fest and how it’s been hit hard by the pandemic. You’ll also learn the history of the festival, and hear the challenges Homer has faced in his thirty plus years as a Black Business owner in Austin, Texas.

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Urban Music Fest
Mr. Catfish
The City of Austin’s Virtual New Year’s Eve

Check out Andrew Weber’s reporting on Venue Funding in Austin

Kevin Russell of Shinyribs  – photo by Michael Minasi for KUTX

KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR Station, and KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience presents a virtual holiday sing-along. Premiering Sunday, December 13 at noon and available on demand through January 1, 2021.

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The KUT Holiday Sing-Along started in the early 1980s when KUT/X host John Aielli, an accomplished vocalist, gathered with friends and fans to sing carols in the Texas Capitol rotunda. Over the years, the sing-along outgrew the rotunda and moved outside to the Capitol steps. In 2002, KUT paired up with the Downtown Austin Alliance to combine the sing-along with the annual Capitol tree lighting and Downtown Holiday Stroll, where Aielli hosted solo until being joined by KUTX host Elizabeth McQueen in 2016.

The holidays may look a little different this year, but KUT and KUTX aren’t letting that get in the way of connecting people through the power of song.

The 30-minute special, hosted by Elizabeth McQueen (co-host of KUT and KUTX’s new podcast Pause/Play), features holiday favorites sung by Austin musicians Molly Burch, Gina Chavez, Eimaral Sol, and Kevin Russell of Shinyribs, with a special appearance by our beloved John Aielli.

 Happy Holidays from KUT and KUTX!

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Musicians: Kevin Russell: vocals, ukulele; Eimaral Sol: vocals; Billy Blunt: guitar; Gina Chavez: vocals, guitar; Molly Burch: vocals; Dailey Toliver: guitar; John Aielli: vocals

Credits: Host: Elizabeth McQueen; Executive Producer: Sylvia Ponce-Carson; Producer: Erin Geisler; Program Director: Matt Reilly; Cameras and Edit: Gabriel C. Pérez, Julia Reihs, Michael Minasi; Audio Mix and Master: Jake Perlman; Graphic Design; Lisa Kirkpatrick; Title Sequence: David Fried; Set Design: Jacquie Fuller; Original Music: Jack Anderson; Production Manager: Deidre Gott

KUT and KUTX would like to thank Whole Earth Provision Co., Central Texas Food Bank and ABC Home & Commercial Services whose sponsorship help make this event possible. Special thanks also goes out to mmmpanadas and Janie Orr.

Hear from people across the spectrum of the Austin music scene talk about their live music experiences during the pandemic.

In the first segment you’ll hear Pedro Carvalho and Lawrence Boone from the venue The Far Out Lounge talk about how they’ve managed to stay open and have consistent live music. Then KUT reporter Andrew Weber takes you to a show that’s also a Dumpster Fire. Matt Ott from the Austin non-profit Black Fret brings you perspectives from an indoor show at ACL live. And Miles Bloxson talks to three fans about their risk tolerances and relationships with live music during COVID.

Listen to this episode of Pause/Play

Open Enrollment for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is open through December 15th. Find out more here: https://www.myhaam.org/become-a-member

Some Austin Music Venues Won’t Get COVID Relief Money Until Next Year. They Say They’re Running Out Of Time. by Andrew Weber

Austin City Council Takes Steps Toward Relief For Live Music Venues And ‘Legacy’ Business by Andrew Weber

This song was featured in this episode of Pause/Play

Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify

Follow Austin musician Jackie Venson as she makes her debut on the iconic Austin City Limit’s TV show. You’ll hear how Jackie has been pivoting during the pandemic, and find out how Austin City Limits has been adapting to taping shows without a live audience.

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Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify

Show Notes Links:

Follow Jackie Venson on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok

Follow Austin City Limits on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

This Song Episode featuring Jackie Venson

ACL Radio announces ‘Blues on the Screen’ event curated by Jackie Venson – Article by Deborah Sengupta Stith

Watch The Jackie Venson’s curated Blues on the Screen

Check out Jackie Venson’s Vintage Machine Album

ACL Live Show on November 20th

Austin City Limit’s Television Show