The capital of Texas, Austin, hosts tourists from all over the world because of the historical resorts it has. It is named among the most populated cities in the United States. From the Congress Avenue Bridge that makes one of the largest urban bat colonies in the world, to Franklin Barbecue, which attracts people because of the scrumptious food served here, you will see many places that are no less than a treat to visit.
Austin is recognized for its attractive places and the historical background related to music. In fact, the official slogan of this city of Texas is “Live Music Capital of the World.”
The Inception of Austin Music
The music in Austin began in the German Beer Hall Gardens in the 1800s. The places like Scholz’s Garden served as the land for the advent of this musical history. The acts started in 1800, continued to ascend, and reached their peak in the 1950s. The icons who performed at different platforms in Austin in those times included Glenn Miller, Hank Williams, and Elvis Presley.
The musical heritage never stopped since then and has continued to grow till now. Austin is the destination that welcomes all the performers around the globe. Thousands of concerts take place in Austin throughout the year. Not only this, but it also hosts mega festivals each year, including the Austin City Festival. For decades, Austin has held most live music venues than any other city in the country.
Musical Venues in Austin
There is no wonder to see more than 200 venues hosting musical concerts and recordings in Austin. Following are some places that have been highlighted in the history:
1. 6th Street
Most people believe that live music in Austin started from 6th street. You can never miss this place if you are in Austin. The famous music festival called SXSW Music Festival takes place here. 6th Street also contains venues like Parish that is famous for its weekend events.
2. Frank Erwin Center
Among the names noted in the history of Austin music, Frank Erwin Center cannot be forgotten. It hosts big concerts till today, and the tradition will keep on going. The title has not been given without reason. Austin will never fail to amaze its audience with evergreen live music.
3. Armadillo World Headquarters
This hall was a well-known and welcoming spot for musical events. It was inaugurated on 7th August 1970. The hall is known for the amalgam of two popular music forms performed here. These include country and rock music, the blend of which is remembered as the Austin Sound. Other names given to this blend are Redneck Rock and Cosmic Cowboy.
4. 17 Red River St.
17 Red River is located on River Street. It is one of the must-go places because it is probably the most condensed and exciting block of the music venues. You will be surprised by the amazing punk shows. The streets have wrecked local as well as touring artists.
A unique setting is offered to the mainstream artists who come to the city and play an outdoor venue downtown, thus creating an accessible environment. In only one block of Austin, you can witness these many different artists and talents.
Other venues that still hold an important place in regards to the city’s music include Victory Grill, Ernie’s Chicken Shack, Vulcan Gas Company, and many more.
The Artists Are More into the Live Music than Making Albums
Austin is a fortress for young artists to come and indulge themselves in live music. The focus is more on the live music compared to the recordings. This is why it is called the live music capital of the world. People put on shows wherever they could, and there are no restrictions.
Whether or not you are a music lover, if you visit this place, you will be astonished by seeing the amount and types of music being played in literally every corner of Austin. The artists are more into enjoying the moment by playing live music rather than pushing the music through a certain channel or album. And that’s the beauty of this city.
The Artists Who Made Austin Music Flourish
Because Austin has always welcomed performers and artists from all over the world, some of the most well-known and famous artists who made their music seen are:
1. Glenn Miller
Glenn was a well-known American composer and a brand leader. He played music in Austin during the beginning of the concept of live music in the city. Unfortunately, Glenn disappeared on 15th December 1944 while flying his plane in bad weather.
2. Hank William
Hank William was a famous singer and composer of the 20th century. His name is remembered among the artists who performed with great diversity during the 1950s at Dessau Hall, Austin.
3. Elvis Presley
Elvis is known as the King of Rock and Roll. He was among the former artists of Austin music who took the live music to another level in no time.
4. Kenneth Threadgill
Kenneth was a local singer from Austin who also taught early Austin music. He was the owner of Threadgill’s Tavern that was run by his wife.
Apart from those listed above, artists including Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Bobby Bland, and B.B. King can never be forgotten whenever talked about Austin Live Music.
Is Austin Still the Live Music Capital of the World?
Since the early 1900s, Austin is still known to be the Live Music Capital of the world because no city has more venues for playing live music than Austin. On visiting, you will be amazed to see the importance of live music in Austin.
Conclusion
Austin is not only the capital of Texas but a host to live music festivals as well. The artists, as well as the viewers, travel across the world to enjoy live music in Austin. Apart from the places of entertainment, from old museums to the latest restaurants, you will see this city flooded with the varieties of live music.
Furthermore, Austin has been given the title of the Live Music Capital of the World because of the number of venues it hosts for playing live music. Sometimes, over a hundred live performances are hosted within one night, and that is a big deal. No city has been capable of beating the record of having the most venues for live music in the world.