It's more than just a slogan. Music is a driver of the "creative economy" that translates into millions of dollars annually for Austin. Austin City government recognizes that music is one of the things that makes Austin special, and has several programs to help musicians and promote their music. While Austin's music heritage traces back to frontier days, it was not until 1991 that blues musician Lillian Standfield, returning from a gig in Houston, saw a city limits sign and thought the City needed a slogan to promote music. She approached the City's Music Commission with the idea of Austin becoming the "Music Capital of the USA." City staff research found that Austin had more live music venues per capita than such music hotbeds as Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or New York City. A Council Member's suggestion that Austin should be the "Live Music Capital of the Universe" resulted in a classic political compromise and the "Live Music Capital of the World" became the City's official slogan by Council Resolution on Aug. 29, 1991. (View in PDF format)

Live From The Plaza This music series showcases local musicians and reflects the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Austin. Free concerts are held on Fridays at noon on the plaza at City Hall from March - June and September - December. Live Music Task Force The Live Music Task Force is working to address current issues, developments and challenges confronting Austin’s musicians and music community. Austin Music Memorial The Austin Music Memorial at the the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts honors deceased individuals who have made important contributions to the development of music and the Austin music community. Permits and City Codes Public Assembly Code Enforcement Team Information on permits, enforcement and City Codes relating to amplified sound, public assembly events and temporary structures. Amplified Sound Permit and Outdoor Music Venue Permits For information about amplified sound permits and outdoor music venue permits, please contact Clara Hilling at 512-974-2686. Temporary Use Permits and any other Austin Fire Department questions For information about temporary use permits or any other questions that you might have related to the Austin Fire Department, please contact Battalion Chief Don Smith at 512-974-0180. Street Musicians and any other Austin Police Department questions For any questions that you might have about street musicians or any other questions that you might have related to the Austin Police Department, please contact APD Special Events at 974-5032. Music on Hold The City of Austin proudly promotes local music in the City's telephone hold music system. Austin Music Television The City of Austin created the Austin music channel as an economic development project to showcase local music and musicians. Austin Music Partners launched Music & Entertainment Television on October 1, 2005 on Channel 15 on both Time Warner Warner and Grande Communications stations. The Austin Music Network ceased operations on August 31, 2005. The music archives are available at the Austin History Center. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Live music at the airport greets visitors and welcomes home Austinites. If your band is interested in playing at the Airport, please contact Nancy Coplin at 512-530-6508. City Council Meetings Weekly Regular Sessions of the Council include live music, starting at 5:30 p.m. Go to the Council Agenda and look toward the bottom for who's playing. If your band is interested in playing at a City Council meeting, please contact Rose Reyes at 512-583-7230. Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau The Music Marketing Office promotes the "Live Music Capital of the World" as a premiere business and travel destination and provides booking assistance and music resources on their website: Hire a Musician Music Attractions Music Organizations State of Texas Music Office - Texas Talent Register An alphabetical listing of over 1700 bands, including links to their Web sites, genre, and phone number. This web site also provides information about Texas music-related businesses, radio stations, press, educational resources, events and history. Parks and Recreation Department Check its calendar for a variety of events that include musical performances. Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program The City of Austin established a Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program to help individuals, companies, and nonprofits involved in music, film, art, and technology. General information about the program (PDF) Program application (PDF) Austin Music Economic Impact Studies This 2001 study, The Role of Music in the Austin Economy, describes how music affects the economy of Austin. The study also describes various ways that the music community can be enhanced and promoted by the City and others. A more recent 2005 study, the Cultural Sector Economic Impact Study, looks at the overall economic impact of culture on Austin and contains more current music economic impact information. Austin Music Commission Appointed by the Austin City Council to review issues relating to the music industry, the Music Commission meets monthly. All meetings are open to the public. For more detailed information about the Music Commission and how to contact its members, please visit the City Clerk's Office Music Commission web page. Austin Energy Austin Energy has residential and commercial programs to help you reduce your energy costs. Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) NHCD has programs for housing, community development, and small business development to benefit eligible residents so they can have access to livable neighborhoods and increase their opportunities for self-sufficiency. Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department This department provides many health-related services, including: child care information and services, employment programs, mental health/substance abuse services, WIC programs, programs for at-risk youth, basic needs services, preventative health services, restaurant permitting and animal services. Community Care Services Department This department helps provide access to health care options. The department operates fourteen health center sites which provide comprehensive primary care and medical, dental and behavioral health services to residents of Travis County.

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