• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

AMP Awards Showcase Shakey Graves, Mother Falcon & Friends at Moody

April 24, 2013 by Brittany Highland 2 Comments

Austin Music People UnGala at Moody Theater

Entering the Moody Theater for AMP UnGala

Through her work as Executive Director for Austin Music People, Jennifer Houlihan is devoted to advocacy and fundraising for the Austin music industry. She keeps a finger on the pulse of the industry’s well-being and does her part to ensure its growth. “The music community is the cultural soul of Austin, an economic engine contributing more than $1.6 billion a year to the local economy.”

But Houlihan’s no Atlas and she can’t do it alone. So on April 21, 2013, Austin Music People (AMP) hosted its largest fundraiser of the year at the Moody Theater, home to Austin City Limits. The turn-out for AMP UnGala was high. Who can stay away from talent like Shakey Graves and Bright Light Social Hour, and well-known local industry staples like Margaret Moser (Austin Chronicle) and Laurie Gallardo (KUT)?

For a base entry price of $25, attendees experienced a phenomenal show that was worth far more, and they had the satisfaction of knowing they were supporting the sounds that make Austin home.

What You Missed at AMP UnGala

The night began with Charlie Belle on stage, a U18 group that made their national festival debut at ACL 2012.

Charlie Belle at Moody Theater in Austin

Charlie Belle

KUT evening host Laurie Gallardo emceed the night, introducing musical guests and facilitating the awards ceremony. Leaving the on-stage star spotlighting to the Austin Music Awards, AMP UnGala recognized the unsung offstage heroes. Notably, The Beach Boy’s front of house manager, Mark Newman, received the award for Best Sound Engineer. Maggie Lea won Best Local Music Promoter, and Continental Club owner Steve Wertheimer won the Unsung Music Award.

Laurie Gallardo Evening Host at KUT

Laurie Gallardo, emcee for AMP UnGala

The Austin Chronicle’s Margaret Moser gave a touching tribute to her friend Brent Rulke (SXSW), who passed away last year. “He made Austin music what it was, and what it is today,” Moser concluded.

Margaret Moser of the Austin Chronicle

Margaret Moser, known as a pioneer in Texas journalism and the matriarch of Austin music

In another personal moment, “Esme’s Posse” – a troupe of school-aged children – awarded the Esme Barrera Award for Music Activism and Education to Joel LaViolette and the Rattletree School of Marimba.

For those not familiar, Esme was passionate about Austin music and music education, worked as a counselor at Girls Rock Camp Austin, and was painfully taken from everyone who loved her in early 2012. But her spirit lived on at the AMP UnGala, as she was remembered with a “moment of noise” (much more her speed than the traditional moment of silence). “We lost her too soon, but we continue to honor her,” said Laurie Gallardo from the Moody Theater stage.

Esme Barrera Award for Music Activism and Education

Esme’s Posse present the Esme Barrera Award for Music Activism and Education

And the music played on. Mother Falcon offered a stirring performance of orchestral rock, displaying the intense depth that classical training brings to the table. With 13 musicians on stage, Mother Falcon melded vocals, string, brass and percussion instruments with an energy that nearly brought me to tears. They’ll be going on the road this summer, and you shouldn’t hesitate to check them out if they journey your way.

Mother Falcon at the Moody Theater in Austin

Mother Falcon

Hot on the heels of Mother Falcon was Shakey Graves. The stage was far emptier and darker, but this one man show managed to engage the whole audience with quirky pauses and fast-paced guitar riffs. One foot on a kick drum and one foot on a tambourine, and armed with a respectable pair of lungs, Shakey Graves is another act you should see as soon as you get the chance.

Shakey Graves at the Moody Theater in Austin

Shakey Graves

Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards, Bright Light Social Hour and Alejandro Escovedo also played sets, and post-show entertainment was courtesy of hip hop artist Tee Double. “I was really pleased to see so many people getting into Austin hip-hop,” Houlihan told me. “We have an active scene here that not enough people know about.”

Bright Light Social Hour at the Moody Theater in Austin

Bright Light Social Hour

All in all, Jennifer Houlihan hosted a stellar event on behalf of Austin Music People, and we haven’t stopped talking about it ever since.

How You Can Get Involved

The big event may be over, but the team at Austin Music People works hard throughout the year to advocate for the Austin music industry, ensuring that musicians and their counterparts behind the scenes have opportunities to expand their work and earn a living doing what they love.

Your involvement can make a difference. Here are three ideas for you:

  • Stay educated about Austin Music People and what they’re doing in the industry by subscribing to their newsletter.
  • One-time donations are always appreciated, and membership gives you access to exclusive shows and events, ticket giveaways and more.
  • Volunteer your time by emailing info@austinmusicpeople.org.

This was our first Austin Music People event, but it won’t be our last. It’s easy to attend local shows, buy CDs, and forget that there are business interests and government initiatives that don’t always favor the growth of the local music scene. AMP is a guardian that works to protect musicians and music venues when no one else is paying attention.

 

@QuasiBrit asks:

Had you heard of Austin Music People before reading this article?

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jennifer Houlihan
Jennifer Houlihan
10 years ago

Thank you so much! Looking forward to working with both of you more this summer as we add some great programming for locals, with local musicians and local food (for a local price).

0
Reply
joethepleb
joethepleb
10 years ago

I have! Great event!

0
Reply

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this week of October 2

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of October 2 include Broadway Austin presents Six, House of Burton: Austin, and more

Our top choices for things to do in Austin this Week of October 2, 2023, include Broadway Austin presents Six, House of Burton: Austin, Maisie Peters in Concert, and more! Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily, there’s plenty going on in Austin all days of the week. […]

10 Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Texas Pumpkin Fest 2023, Touch-a-Truck 2023, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of September 29, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Texas Pumpkin Fest 2023, Touch-a-Truck 2023, Boulderfest 2023, American Indian Heritage Day 2023, and more! Editor’s […]

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of September 29 which include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, NAMIWalks Central Texas, Oktoberfest at Banger’s, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for you. […]

Austin Labor Day Weekend 2023 Events - Top 10 Things to Do

Austin Labor Day Weekend 2023 Events – Top 10 Things to Do Include Fish Fry by ACLC, Cornhole Tournament at Frontyard Brewing, Live Music, Parties & More!

The much-awaited Labor Day 2023 is right around the corner! And as we all know, everybody wants to make the most of this special day and enjoy the last bits of summer. Labor Day pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers. In addition to that, it also symbolizes the end of […]

Caverns in Texas - 12 Best Austin Caves & Cave Tours Near You

Caverns in Texas – 12 Best Austin Caves & Cave Tours Near You

Looking for caverns in Texas? Want to explore the best caves in Texas? Luckily, there’s a great mix of both in Austin! Before we dive into the different bat caves in Texas or caverns Texas has to offer, what’s the difference between the two? Well, while used interchangeably, a cave is a naturally occurring cavity […]

Recent Posts

  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of October 2 include Broadway Austin presents Six, House of Burton: Austin, and more
  • 10 Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Texas Pumpkin Fest 2023, Touch-a-Truck 2023, and more!
  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!
  • Rooftop Bar Austin – 20 Best Bars, Dinner Spots, High Rise Restaurants Near You
  • Austin Labor Day Weekend 2023 Events – Top 10 Things to Do Include Fish Fry by ACLC, Cornhole Tournament at Frontyard Brewing, Live Music, Parties & More!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • 8 Laid-back Waterfront Restaurants in Austin (Besides The Oasis)
  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • Guide to Austin’s Dirty Sixth Street
  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!
  • Birthday Freebies Austin 2023 – List of Over 45 Best Restaurants, Food Places, & Stores with Birthday Month Deals Near You

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

wpDiscuz
x
x