Let's get a bonafide live music fan in City Council
ACL Festival always feels like the beginning of a new year in Austin to me.
With ACL Fest’s weekend one in the books and weekend two on the horizon it’s a great time to remind y’all why I am the best candidate for District 9 for both our city’s artists and musicians and our city’s visitors and hospitality professionals.
From 2010-13, I served on the Austin Music Commission, appointed by City Council, to support our city’s music industry and professionals including designating Red River as a Cultural District and updating the sound ordinance amidst rapid growth in Downtown Austin. During that time, I was also an appointee to the Downtown Commission, advising City Council and the Mayor on Downtown issues from 6th Street to Rainey, while also being the liaison to the Arts Commission.
I have also personally booked over 100 bands, musicians and DJs in Austin for events ranging from Formula 1 and SXSW to Localeur parties and showcases. Most importantly, I have PAID those bands, musicians and DJs very well.
From 2014-20, I served on the Board of Directors for Austin PBS including years on the Executive Committee where I was a champion for Austin City Limits and the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion long before George Floyd’s death.
Simultaneously, I have been an active entrepreneur in Austin from my social media agency serving clients like Deep Eddy Vodka and the bars on Rainey Street to founding the first-ever style segment of SXSW which I led from 2011-13. Tourism & hospitality have always been central.
I eventually took all my experience, passion and relationships to create Localeur in 2013 here in Austin to support locally owned music venues, bars, restaurants and more. Today, Localeur is in 205 cities globally and has served 7 million travelers.
Along the way, I’ve met the CEO of Apple, Joints Chiefs of Staff, been in rooms advising the Mayor and City leaders on tech and culture, served on the board of ZACH Theatre, raised $6M from reputable investors locally and abroad, and continued to make live music a priority.
Through it all, I’ve not just done this out of any type of professional ambition or political dream but out of a genuine tireless and evident passion for Austin, for District 9, for the Live Music identity that forged this city’s economic vitality, and drives its tourism.
Whether it’s music venue owners, festival promoters, musicians, hoteliers or restaurant workers, they know they can count on me to recognize their unique and valuable contributions to this city and I will be their champion if elected to serve District 9 on City Council.
Everyone from Adrian Quesada and rising star Jackie Venson to ACL TV producer Terry Lickona are supporting my campaign and I would love your support, too, if Austin actually being the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is important to you.