The Austin Woman staff shares why we think the Live Music Capital of the World is still hitting all the right notes.
Coupland Inn and Dance Hall photo by Chantal Rice, austin360 picture courtesy of Giant Noise, Jenny Parrott by Nikki Acosta.
Amber Callahan, account executive
Her favorite local live-music venue: “I’m an unapologetic country girl. My favorite live-music venue is Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall. It’s my favorite because it has everything you need in one place: steak, potatoes, barbecue, cold drinks, Western saddles and a big wooden dance floor to twirl the night away with some cowboys. There is even a bed-and-breakfast to rest your head for the night. It keeps me grounded to my roots. It’s real. The nostalgia and Western heritage keep me coming back!”
Cynthia Guajardo Shafer, publisher
Her favorite thing about Austin’s live-music scene: “I love that on any day, at any time and in any area in town, you can find live music playing.”
Courtney Runn, assistant editor
Her favorite memory of Austin’s live-music scene: “Like all good Texans, I was raised on the girl-power ballads of the Dixie Chicks. While I was too young to catch them live in their heyday, I saw them perform at Circuit of the Americas in 2016. Even though they’ve been a long time gone, they haven’t lost their spunk. I still have videos from the concert on my phone so I can relive one of my favorite Austin music memories.”
Madilyn Biscoe, marketing and events manager
Her favorite thing about Austin’s live-music scene: “I love that you can find great music—often for free—anywhere around town. But please tip the band, folks! I’ve never walked into a bar and walked out because the music sucked. In terms of venues and artists, I really like Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlies, and I love Tameca Jones! Her music gives me all kind of feels.”
Chantal Rice, managing editor
Her favorite local artist: “I can’t get enough of singer/songwriter Jenny Parrott. Her singing voice is so unique and absolutely mesmerizing. I’ve seen her perform everywhere from dive bars to iconic Austin establishments and even my best girlfriend’s wedding, and she always leaves me awestruck and bewitched!”