Music Community for McCracken Endorsement Announcement

I'm excited to announce some great news about the growing support base our campaign is generating.  And I hope you'll join me tomorrow as we introduce nearly 50 new supporters of my campaign.

As you know, I have made Austin's creative economy a major focus of my campaign for mayor.  This Wednesday at ME Television Studios on South Congress, Ramy Antoun, Jerry Avila, John Dee Graham, Sara Hickman, Neal Kassanoff, Alan Luecke, James Moody, Paul Oveisi, Don Pitts and dozens more musicians and music industry professionals will officially sign on to my campaign as supporters.

This is big news - for a couple of reasons.

First.... and you already know this... the music industry is the lifeblood of Austin's culture.  "The Live Music Capital of the World" is a title we brag about - whether we can play an instrument or don't know a fret from a snare.  The artists and professionals who bring us more live shows per night per capita than any other city in America need leaders who understand the critical role they play in our cultural and economic prosperity.

Second, despite their influence on Austin, musicians haven't been overwhelmingly active in city politics.  They don't have a club that endorses candidates. They don't control a political machine.  They don't pool their money and support one candidate or another.  That nearly 50 musicians, venue owners, entrepreneurs and music industry professionals are joining my campaign demonstrates how important this mayoral election is to them.

I am honored to have earned their support, and I can't wait to introduce them to you.

As anyone who went downtown during South by Southwest knows, Austin's creative economy is incredibly important to our community.  And that means the success of our musicians and creative artists is incredibly important to Austin as well.

But the fact is, it's harder to be a working musician now than it was 20 years ago. 

The cost of living here has gone up, but the wages our musicians earn hasn't. 

The way music is distributed and sold is changing - that will require innovative new approaches that link Austin musicians to new opportunities.

As our community grows, musicians are finding the everyday challenges of pursuing their dreams increasingly difficult.

Few of these artists expect to get rich and famous.  But the people who give our community its identity, who entertain us and who speak to our souls deserve the opportunity to make an honest living. 

Austin's music community needs a mayor who shares its vision for making Austin a leader in the creative economy. And it needs a mayor who will work to help achieve that vision.

Please join us this Wednesday.  These folks are used to performing in front of a crowd.

I invite you to learn more about my support of Austin's creative economy, including music, film and digital media. 

You can also read my Crow's Nest column on Austin's creative economy.

What:
Musicians and music industry professionals to endorse my campaign for Austin Mayor

When:
Wednesday, April 1 - 10:30 AM

Who:
I will be joined by a host of music industry supporters, including:
Ramy Antoun
Jerry Avila
John Dee Graham
Sara Hickman
Neal Kassanoff
Alan Luecke
James Moody
Don Pitts
Paul Oveisi
and many others

Where:
ME Television Studios
2130 South Congress Avenue (@ Live Oak St.)


Thanks.  See you tomorrow.

Brewster

P.S.: If you share my vision for growing Austin's creative economy, and creating new opportunities for Austin's musicians, filmmakers, writers and creative artists, I would very much appreciate your vote on May 9, your support in my election, and your financial contribution to help me spread my message.