Want to know how to donate to and support Austin, Texas music venues and artists? Our guide includes fundraising events, streaming concerts, virtual telethons, online shops with merch, music resources and more.

Streaming Concerts

While music festivals and concerts are being postponed, Austin musicians are turning to social media and other live streaming platforms to perform for fans at home. Check out this ever-evolving list of indoor entertainment that can be streamed directly to your living room. Or, on your phone while you’re in bed, we don’t judge.

News outlets like Texas Monthly and Austin360 are compiling lists of reoccurring livestreams from local Austin musicians. The lists are constantly updating, so check back for the latest concerts. Bands can also sign up here to be added to Austin360's list.

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than the Mohawk. They've launched a ‘Live from the Playroom’ series that encourages families to get up and get grooving during this time of social distancing. Grab the kids and tune in on Facebook at 3 p.m. daily.  

Miss two-stepping with your partner? Us too. That’s why we’ll be tuning in to The White Horse's Facebook page to get daily updates from our favorite honky tonk artists who are live streaming from home.

Nothing exudes comfort at home quite like the sultry sounds of jazz. Lucky for us, Parker Jazz Club has partnered up with Texas Jazz Society to bring those smooth sounds directly to our living rooms. They will be accepting donations during the performances and all proceeds will directly support the talent both on and off the screen.

Back in 2012, Black Fret made it their mission to support local Austin musicians. In just 4 years, they have raised over $1 million in grants and performance payments to Austin musicians. Now it's our turn to show them some support. Check out their website for a calendar of daily livestreams featuring local artists in Austin.

Our beloved Austin City Limits public television program is opening the vault and releasing past tapings for your viewing pleasure. Check out Season 45 here.  

Want to expand your reach? NPR Music has compiled a list of the 100 acts they were most looking forward to at SXSW. Stream The Austin 100 on Spotify or Apple Music and keep an eye out for local acts like Nobody's Girl.

Donate to Local Venues

Want to help out your favorite music venues without leaving home? Show your support by donating to Austin’s iconic music venues that showcase some of your favorite artists.
*Note, this is by no means a complete list. Please visit your favorite venue's website to learn more about how to donate to more venues around the city

Stock up on concert credits for future shows with Margin Walker's new "Word Is Bond Show Bonds," a new spin on the gift card. Use the promo code SHOWBONDS2020 at check out and get an instant 20% discount on any increment! Show Bonds work on any show, any time. Learn more & purchase today.

Donate to Barracuda's virtual tip jar to help support their staff, or join their brand new membership program. Become a member and get special perks and concert tickets, or make one time donation.

Support the staff at Hotel Vegas by donating to their virtual tip jar or purchase a rock n roll Easter basket. Baskets include a 6-pack of Lone Star, one 375ml bottle of Jameson, candy, a vinyl surprise and more! All proceeds go to their staff and you can pick up April10-11.

Saxon Pub has been serving the Austin music community for 30 years. You can show them support by purchasing online donations. 

Support Empire Control Room & Garage by joining the Withfriends Membership Program. The membership gives fans the opportunity to support the venue and get access to future shows, merch and extra perks!

Both The Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul have enacted Employee Relief Funds where the money you donate directly benefits employees in their time of need. Similarly, The Sahara Lounge is also accepting donations to help pay the bills while their doors are closed.

You can send tips via Venmo for venues like Skylark Lounge (@Skylarkfund) to help sustain their staff until they reopen.

Other venues have even set up GoFundMe accounts to support their employees while the doors are closed for business. In honor of Antone’s 45^th anniversary this year, they are asking the community to donate as little as $5 to support their staff and resident musicians. Other music venues like Cheer up Charlies, One-2-One Bar and The Broken Spoke are also asking for donations to support their employees, whose wages mostly rely on tips. Show them some support and donate whatever you can.

Support Local Artists

Austin is The Live Music City Capital of the World® for a reason and the whole community values the welfare of our local musicians. Check out the resources below to see how you can join the movement and support your creative community.

Help keep the music community safe and healthy by donating to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) or the SIMS Foundation. Both of which strive to provide affordable healthcare and mental health services to Austin musicians and their families.

Help fund artist grants and performance fees by signing up to become a Black Fret Member. By joining their mission, you can help support hundreds of bands and thousands of new songs right here in the Austin community.

Make a difference in a musician's life by donating to the Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers (HOME). This non-profit group is dedicated to helping aging musicians pay their housing expenses. Every little bit helps.

To make an even wider impact, donate to The Recording Academy's^® MusiCares Musician Relief Fund to support those in the music industry who have been impacted by COVID-19.

If you are an artist in Austin, check out the Austin Texas Musicians Resource List for information and resources ranging from financial aid to job opportunities and wellness.

Fundraising Initiatives

Music is the heart and soul of this city. Help keep the music flowing by donating to these local fundraisers.

Red River Cultural District (RRCD) is Banding Together to combat the impact of the SXSW cancellation on the Austin music community. Donate to help support the venue workers, service industry workers, musicians and other creatives who rely on the festival to keep their lights on and pay their employees each year.

Give a charitable donation to the Stand With Austin Fund to support nonprofits assisting individuals and small businesses most affected by the cancellation of SXSW and least likely to recover on their own. Local Austin businesses such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Alamo Drafthouse will be matching donations.

Online Merch

One of the best ways you can support our music community is through buying online merchandise. To get the swag and uphold the shelter-in-place order, check out the links below.

Mohawk Austin has teamed up with Vans for a limited edition Vans Custom shoe, available now. The partnership is part of Vans' 'Foot the Bill' campaign to assist community driven establishments – the custom shoe allows fans to support the venue with a personal keepsake of all those great memories. Proceeds from the shoe (designed by local agency Guerilla Suit) will benefit the beloved venue's staff. Buy them to wear or to display, or buy them to Defend Red River and to support Mohawk staff.

Empire Control Room & Garage is offering curbside care packages, available for pickup on Sundays. Stuffed with extra goodies you can't get anywhere else for just $10! Care packages include a 6-pack of your choice and special edition merch. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for the latest drop.

Venues like Barracuda, Hotel Vegas, Antone’s, Mohawk, The White Horse, Stubb's, C-Boy’s and the Continental Club are opening their virtual doors for your online shopping pleasure.

Miss perusing around your local record shop and digging for vinyl? Waterloo Records and End of an Ear have got you covered. Shop their online stores for the latest CD’s and records of past and present hits.

Check out local screen printers Fine Southern Gentleman, who are creating web stores for local music venues and artists to sell their limited edition tees, bandanas and more to the public. It’s free to sign up for local, small businesses and venues can use their social media to promote the online store.

Contributed by Alison Lamell.