Black Ball Awards $150,000 to Austin Musicians

Second Annual Black Ball at The Paramount Theatre

It’s easy to say we love Austin’s live music scene, but Black Fret is actually doing something for local musicians. $150,000 worth of something.

At the second annual Black Ball Gala, Friday night at The Paramount Theatre, non-profit Black Fret awarded grants to 20 musicians, for a total of $150,000 in grant dollars. Ten major grant winners received $12,000 each, while 10 minor grant winners were awarded $3,000.

The organization is built on its members, about 300 and counting. These patrons donate $1,500 per year to fulfill Black Fret’s mission: “to empower musicians to create and perform great new music.”

Black Fret founders Matt Ott (left) and Colin Kendrick (right) with Not In The Face frontman, Jonathan Terrell

The Black Ball was the culmination of a year of musical discovery. After nominating 20 Austin musicians in spring 2015, who become eligible to receive grants at the end of the year, members attended monthly private concerts featuring the nominees. These intimate gatherings offered the chance to meet performing artists in person and learn more about their goals and passions. Finally, members cast their official ballot for 10 artists or bands. With the votes tallied, the results were announced this past weekend at The Paramount.

The event began at 5:15 p.m. on the red carpet. Media outlets were invited to photograph the arrival of the nominees, VIPs and Black Fret board members. The attire was “informal formal,” which the organizers also described as “Austin cool.” “We expect tuxedos and ball gowns alongside leather pants and kilts. If it makes you feel good and look great…wear it.” And they did.

Tameca Jones on the red carpet

Many of the Black Fret nominees had never walked a red carpet or posed for so many cameras at once. “Just tell me what to do!” Danny Malone told photographers.

“How fun,” Tameca Jones exclaimed. “I’m like Beyonce!”

Five Hours of Austin’s Best Music

Ruby Jane performing at Black Ball

Performances started at 6 p.m., and the music played all night long. The lineup was an epic who’s who of Austin’s local music scene, including:

Riders Against the Storm
East Cameron Folkcore
Ruby Jane
Dan Dyer
Tameca Jones
Nakia
Mother Falcon
Casey McPherson
Jazz Mills
Danny Malone
Migrant Kids
Not In The Face
The Digital Wild

This was Nakia’s first performance in three months, after taking a break for major vocal surgery. He was lit with energy and inspiration, offering an animated performance that could compete with Riders Against the Storm. But his purpose wasn’t merely entertainment. He had an important message about Austin’s musicial artists to share with the patrons in the audience: “Don’t let anyone tell you we’re alright because we ain’t. We won’t be here in a few years without you.”

Nakia brought many of the night’s performers up to join in “With a Little Help from My Friends”

The final performance of Black Ball 2015 was surprise guest, Margaret Wright. Austin’s inspiring septuagenarian, who performs weekly at the Skylark Lounge, gathered Black Ball’s performers around the piano and launched into a gripping version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Eyes were shining as the gala came to a close. The $12,000 grants awarded to ten of Austin’s best local artists will surely allow some happy, little bluebirds to fly beyond the rainbow in the coming year.

2015 Black Ball Grant Winners

The Digital Wild accepting the first major grant at Black Ball

The 10 major grant winners for 2015 are:

The Digital Wild
Ruby Jane
Tameca Jones
Casey McPherson
East Cameron Folkcore
Mother Falcon
Danny Malone
Gina Chavez
Migrant Kids
Shakey Graves received the tenth grant, but his response was unexpected. He originally accepted the nomination in the spring because, even with the success he has found, the music business is hard. However, when told he won, he said he’d had a better year than expected and couldn’t accept the grant in good conscience. Instead, he gifted his $12,000 to Black Fret’s minor grant winners of the year. Instead of received $3,000, they’ll each receive $4,200.

Both major and minor winners will “unlock” their grant dollars in 2016 by writing new songs, touring, performing, and offering community service through their talents.

As a founding member of Black Fret, I’m looking forward to the growth of this amazing organization. As we gain new members, we can provide real support, in money and mentoring, to the most promising musical artists in our city. To learn more about membership, visit BlackFret.org.

@theAustinot wants to know:

In your opinion, which Austin musician deserves a Black Fret grant?