Black Fret Awards $100,000 to Austin Musicians

On left, Black Fret founders Matt Ott and Colin Kendrick (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

The red carpet was aglow with paparazzi flashes as Austin’s music royalty arrived at The Paramount for Black Fret’s inaugural Black Ball. A surge of music and energy was brought to the stage at 7 PM this past Saturday night, kicking off five hours of unique performances from 16 of the 20 grant nominees.

Black Fret lined up a night that will forever remain unmatched (at least until next year’s Black Ball), including talent from:

• Graham Wilkinson
• Elias Haslanger
• Jitterbug Vipers
• Danny Malone
• Little Radar
• Emily Bell
• The Rocketboys
• Quiet Company
• East Cameron Folklore
• Lincoln Durham
• Elizabeth McQueen
• Riders Against the Storm
• Mother Falcon
• Jonny Gray
• Gina Chavez
• Erin Ivey
• Amy Cook

The experience was one of a kind, featuring music across all genres, for all walks of life.

Black Fret offers members access to performances featuring the best in Austin music, from intimate living room shows to the grand Paramount Theatre on Black Ball night. Grant nominee Elizabeth McQueen said it best, “I probably wouldn’t have met three quarters of the musicians in Black Fret. But now I know them all, even though I have a 3 year old and a 5 year old.”

Jitterbug Vipers colorfully entertained the crowd (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

As grant awards were given throughout the night, members of the audience witnessed sheer delight on the faces of the winners. Black Fret Co-Founder Matt Ott emceed the night, giving the audience insight into the organization and sharing fun quips about the performers. “Elias and I played little league baseball together about 30 years ago…I mean 15 years ago,” Matt commented as Elias Haslanger took the stage.

“I can’t see y’all out there tonight. Can y’all see me? I look good tonight!” said Danny Malone in between songs (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Despite the number of attendees and size of the venue, Black Ball remained true to Black Fret’s roots as a truly family style affair.

Fresh faced, Black Fret team members and nominees posed for a family photo before kicking off five hours of music (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Black Ball brought in a slew of sponsors, including Gibson Brands Inc., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, LoudMouth Rentals, FX Financial, RK Audiology, Pure Gold Realty, Shady Grove, Nomad Sound and Miscellaneous Rentals. Miles of Chocolate provided heaps of chocolate brownies, and performers mingled in the lobby with guests during intermission.

Elizabeth McQueen featured Riders Against the Storm (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Emily Bell started her set by saying, “We’ve become a family,” then kicked off her shoes and danced (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

And the Winners Are…

In true award show fashion, presenters opened envelopes and announced Black Fret grant winners individually. Annual dues from Black Fret’s 100+ members provided the grant funds. Members also selected this year’s 20 nominees, a pool that was narrowed down for Black Fret’s first ten $10,000 grants.

The 2014 grant winners are:

• Amy Cook
• Wild Child
• Mother Falcon
• The Rocketboys
• Graham Wilkinson
• Lincoln Durham
• Elizabeth McQueen
• Gina Chavez
• Erin Ivey
• Quiet Company

Jonny Gray received hoots from the audience as they shouted, “we love you Jonny!” (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Lincoln Durham took the stage on a set rolled in by one of the night’s sponsors, Nomad Sound (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Each of the winners will have an opportunity to unlock their grant dollars in 2015 by writing, recording and performing new music and providing community service to other area nonprofits.

In the process, members will receive updates from the winning musicians. Additionally, grant recipients will have continued access to Black Fret’s Advisory Board and mentors, a group consisting of some of Austin’s top music industry leaders.

For more information about Black Fret and membership, visit BlackFret.org. For a complete album of Black Ball photos, visit The Austinot’s Facebook page.

@CrisMueller wants to know:

How many of the 10 Black Fret award winners have you seen perform?