Travelers hitting Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in November will receive more than just a taste of the city's renowned live music scene. As part of the Austin HOMEcoming festival this year, Delaware North, the hospitality group running several bars and restaurants at AUS, will be dedicating a share of their proceeds to support local musicians. The city's initiative aims to provide housing and resources for aging, low-income artists through the nonprofit HOME (Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers).
Terry Mahlum, Regional Director of Operations for Delaware North at AUS, emphasized the impact of this collaboration. “We know that for many people, the first taste of Austin is right here at the airport,” Mahlum told the City of Austin's publication. He added, “Corporate social responsibility isn’t a buzzword for us - it’s a commitment to reflect the community we serve.” In line with this, travelers can support the cause by patronizing Delaware North venues such as The Salt Lick BBQ, The Saxon Pub, and Hippies & Hops, among others.
HOME was established in 2012 as a response to the rising issue of Austin's key musicians being priced out of the city they helped make famous. The nonprofit has since aided over 300 aging musicians with housing, utilities, and other essential services. Hanna Cofer, Executive Director of HOME, expressed the importance of musicians to the city, saying, “They’re not just performers - they’re storytellers, mentors, and cultural stewards.” According to the City of Austin's official blog, the HOMEcoming campaign is a tribute to these cultural icons, ensuring they remain an integral part of the community they helped build.
Such initiatives find their roots in the past efforts of individuals like Nancy Coplin, Chair of HOME’s Board of Directors, who was also instrumental in bringing live music to AUS. “When we started the live music program at AUS back in 1999, we had just two shows a week,” Coplin said, “But Terry’s vision was always to bring more and more music to travelers, and we built it up to 23 shows every single week. Musicians loved playing here, and travelers loved discovering new artists. Some of the musicians who played those early AUS gigs are now HOME clients, so seeing Delaware North supporting them through HOMEcoming feels full circle. It’s powerful proof of how music and hospitality can work hand in hand.” These partnerships symbolize how the music and hospitality sectors can complement each other, ensuring the continuity of Austin’s musical heritage.
November's campaign is an opportunity for every visitor at AUS to contribute to maintaining Austin's rich cultural tapestry. With a simple purchase of a meal or drink from participating Delaware North establishments, patrons become part of a larger effort to preserve the city's vibrant music scene. The venues partaking in the initiative include The Saxon Pub, The Salt Lick BBQ, Annie's Cafe & Bar, Antone’s, and Hippies & Hops. As guests indulge in Austin's hospitality, their patronage stands as a salute to the legends of Austin's music scene.
