The Live Music Capital of the World
Gemütliche German beer gardens, food stalls and drinking halls like Scholz Garten, Schaller’s Stube and Saengerrunde Halle are all popular in Austin. This was also the case a century and a half ago, including such suitable entertainment as yodellers, schlager singers and thigh-slappers. More modern performers joined the list later on, such as Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. Thanks to the large German community, Austin’s reputation as a music capital dates back quite a few years. But the real music revolution took place in the late 60s, when Willie Nelson traded Nashville for Austin, attracted by the experimental music scene. The psychedelic music stage Vulcan Gas Company went bust before too long, and its successor, Armadillo World Headquarters, lasted a bit longer. Greats from every imaginable genre, such as Fats Domino, Dire Straits, Golden Earring, Iggy Pop, Roxy Music and Bruce Springsteen, stood on stage here until the abrupt closure of the club in 1980. But the musical legacy lives on in the entertainment district of Austin.
The best music venues and festivals
Austin boasts more than 250 music venues in all shapes and sizes, with something for everyone, spread across the entire city. A good place to start is after sunset in the rowdy entertainment district around East 6th Street, where you’ll find the blues club Antone’s, the historic Driskill Hotel and the bakery/beer garden Easy Tiger. Downtown is also the epicentre of the festival South by Southwest (SXSW), held at around 100 locations each spring and featuring 2,000 performances. Austin City Limits Festival takes place in Zilker Park each year, while the TV show of the same name is recorded weekly at the Moody Theater - the backstage tour is definitely recommended. There are also countless record and instrument shops. Those wanting to dive into the musical heritage of the state can visit the Texas Music Museum.
