Austin City Council begins steps to revive Blues on the Green

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is moving forward with plans to try and develop a co-sponsorship process for live music events in the city, following Austin City Limits Radio's cancellation of its 2024 Blues on the Green event.

When announcing the cancellation in January, ACL Radio officials cited rising costs as reasons behind foregoing the free concert series this year. On Thursday, Austin City Council unanimously approved a resolution to look into support opportunities to help sustain live music events within the community.

Council members and city staff said the city's live music industry contributes substantially to Austin's "cultural identity" and economy, per documents.

The resolution calls for Interim City Manager Jesús Garza to develop Blues on the Green into a city co-sponsored event, with the following goals outlined for city leaders:

• Maintain a "cherished Austin tradition without interruption"
• Ensure free access to the public
• Provide performance opportunities to a diverse array of local musicians
• Require the observation of the city's adopted musician pay scale

"This is not the finish line by any means, this is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing conversations across our music and arts space," said Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, who co-sponsored the resolution. "Our vision is that the future generations of Austinites will get to experience live music events and traditions that are the fabric of our 'uniquely Austin' quality of life.”

Garza is expected to return to council by Feb. 29 with an ordinance or resolution pertaining to fee waivers, co-sponsorships or budget authorizations to meet he needs outlined in those goals.