May/June

Clients, providers, donors, volunteers, and friends of the SIMS Foundation,

As you may know, the SIMS Foundation was founded in 1995 by the friends and family of Sims Ellison, a young Austin musician who died that summer from suicide after battling depression. Their aim was to provide low-cost counseling and other mental health services that would be tailored specifically to the needs of our musicians and their loved ones. Today SIMS upholds that vision and – with your ongoing support – continues to support the local music community by providing an array of individualized mental health and addiction recovery services. We remain committed to the continuity of service to the Austin community.
SIMS’ outreach and literally life-saving services would be an impossibility were it not for your support and the commitment and expertise of our small paid staff. For the past three and a half years, the organization has been led by President and Clinical Director, Sandy Bruce. Today, it is with great sadness that we share that Sandy has announced her departure from the SIMS Foundation, effective June 26, to teach at the University of Texas and to do consulting work.
Sandy’s tenure with the organization has been marked with myriad stabilization initiatives, a successful public awareness campaign, an expansion of services, new community partnerships, overseeing ethical and financial accountability, and leading the staff to a new echelon of professionalism. She has been an exemplary steward of board and client trust, leading the organization on the front lines and acting as an advocate not only for the foundation but for mental health and addiction issues our musicians face. Her belief in our mission has been unwavering. In her letter of resignation to the board, Sandy wrote:

SIMS is built on an amazing concept that honors those musicians who create so much enjoyment for people in Austin and for many more beyond our geographical boundaries.  The staff at SIMS is stellar; ask any client, provider, collaborator or vendor.  The 50+ network of SIMS providers is beyond compare in skills and devotion.  SIMS volunteers have an amazing energy level and a dedication to the organization that allows us a tremendous amount of positive notoriety throughout the community. I have immensely enjoyed my work with the organization over the past three and one-half years.

Because Sandy put so much thought and care into surrounding herself with an excellent support staff, the board of directors is confident that the operation of the organization and the services we provide will continue as before while we conduct an executive search. In the interim, we welcome your input and will count on you to help maintain the rich culture and support system for which we are known.

Thank you,
The SIMS Foundation Board of Directors:

Mark Grossman, Chair-Elect
Anthony Haley
Catarina Sigerfoos  Fletcher Brown
Ron Byrd

VIEW EVITE




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City of Austin Live Music Task Force to hold public hearings on music venues and musician services

The City Of Austin is listening! The Live Music Task Force needs your input and participation!

VERY IMPORTANT 
:::Click Here to take the Live Music Task Force Survey:::

This survey will be your chance to tell our City Government what you need! Please attend the LMTF Public Forums and tell the LMTF & COA what our local music industry needs!

Public Forums:

• June 12, 2008 - Program Assistance for Musicians
  7:00 - 9:00 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers
• June 26, 2008 - Sound Control, Ordinances and Issues
  6:00 - 8:00 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers
• July 9, 2008 - Redevelopment, Incentives, Affordability and Financing for Music Venues
  6:00 - 8:00 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers
  
  

Regular LMTF Meetings:

• July 14, 2008 - Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room, 6:00 p.m.
• August 11, 2008 - Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room, 6:00 p.m.
• September 8, 2008 - Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room, 6:00 p.m.
• October 13, 2008 - Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room, 6:00 p.m.

The City of Austin declares May "LAtino Music Month" in Austin


City officials have declared the month of May as “Latino Music Month” in Austin, encouraging club owners and live music venues to support Latino music and artists this month.

The Austin Latino Music Association has developed a Web site that contains information about Latino music. The Web site will include a calendar of Latino music shows and a directory of Latino musicians in Austin which provided easy access for club owners, live music venues and member of the general public who need to hire a band or individual musician. Visit www.austinlatinomusic.com.

“This is a great opportunity for Latino musicians to shine and to raise awareness about this important part of the local music scene,” said Council Member Raul Alvarez. “I am proud that the City of Austin is an integral part of this celebration of Austin’s heritage.”

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What: Old Pecan Street Festival
When: May 3-4 10am - 10pm
Where: 6th Street between Red River & Congress

For over 30 years the Biannual Old Pecan Street Festival has provided Central Texas residents a family friendly venue to collect arts and crafts from local and national artists and artisans, experience live music and take part of a long standing Austin tradition. The Old Pecan Street Festival not only supports local artists and vendors but gives back to many of Austin’s most beloved charities as well as preserving Old Pecan Street (6th Street). SIMS Volunteers will be staffing booths throughout the festival, so come on downtown and enjoy the festival and support SIMS at the same time.

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KGSR TO BROADCAST LIVE APRIL 30 BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO WILLIE NELSON
KGSR will also re-present SIMS with the Broadcasts CD proceeds check during the broadcast

Austin's own 107.1 KGSR Radio will broadcast a three-hour live tribute show honoring the 75th birthday of the legendary Willie Nelson on Wednesday, April 30. Two dozen musicians will perform Nelson's songs including his daughter Paula Nelson, Bob Schneider, Carolyn Wonderland, Ray Benson, Fastball, Jimmy LaFave, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Joe Ely, Kelly Willis, South Austin Jug Band, Ian McLagan, Charlie Sexton, Alejandro Escovedo and Ruthie Foster.

Also during the tribute, KGSR will re-present to The SIMS Foundation a check from revenue from the sale of the 2007 edition of the "Broadcasts Vol. 15 CD." The station's total donations to SIMS over 11 years from the CD series, traditionally the #1-selling CDs in the Austin area between Thanksgiving and Christmas, have topped $1.5 million; for more information, visit www.kgsr.com/broadcasts and www.kgsr.com/charity.

Please listen in and support the people who support SIMS!
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SIMS Volunteer, Loretta Taylor, Passes
Services will be at Rosedale Baptist Church on May 17th at 1pm.

We are sad to announce that one of SIMS long-time volunteers died on Friday, April 25, 2008. Loretta Taylor, a retired state employee, spent much of her time volunteering for SIMS and other non-profit agencies in Austin.  Loretta worked with SIMS for several years, helping in whatever capacity she was needed, but her true passion was volunteering at music benefits for SIMS.

Loretta was an enormous fan of Austin’s local musicians and frequented many of local venues to offer her support for them.

If you ever met Loretta Taylor, you couldn’t forget her.  She was young at heart, had a dry sense of humor, and a passion for Austin musicians that was amazing.  We will miss her.
To our knowledge, Loretta has no family in this area, though she often spoke of family in California.  All Faiths, which is handling arrangements for Loretta, has told us that the family will wait a few weeks before having a memorial service.

In the meantime, SIMS and several Austin musicians are planning a musical tribute to Loretta.  If you are interested in participating in this event or want more information, please contact info@simsfoundation.org. ___________________________________________________________________

WHO: The Austin State Hospital Volunteer Services Council
WHAT:ASH 5k Run for Mental Health
WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd, 8 a.m.
WHERE: Austin State Hospital Grounds 4110 Guadalupe ST. Austin TX 78751
Cost: $20 for Adults, $10 for children
Download Entry Form: ASH_Dash_Registration_Brochure.pdf

The Austin State Hospital's Volunteer Services Council announced today that the fifth annual ASH Dash 5K for Mental Health will be held on May 3, 2008.

The 5K will start in front of the original hospital, which was established in 1857 as the Texas State Lunatic Asylum. The run/walk is two loops on a flat course, around the hospital grounds, lined with trees and rose-bushes.

The race promotes good mental health through physical health, encouraging runners, families and community members to participate. The purpose of the race is to gain awareness for and education about the mission of Austin State Hospital. The race also raises funds that help enrich the quality of life for ASH patients and dispels common myths associated with mental illness.

After completion of the race, participants can enjoy music on the SIMS Foundation stage and tour the first three floors of the historic structure, which is still in use today. Antique furniture, old photographs and medical equipment will be on display. Local community groups and the ASH Education/Rehab department will provide children's activities throughout the event.

Registration for the event will be $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 15 and under.

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What: SIMS Foundation Benefit
When: Saturday May 3rd - 8pm
Where: Black & Tan/Orchid
               405 E. 7th Street
Cost: $8.00
8 bands, 8 bucks, 2 stages
Featuring:
Outside Stage:
Low Line Caller 12:30am
Hollywood Gossip 11:30
Rabbit Fist 10:30
Reverse Ex Rays 9:30

Inside Stage
The Dirty Hearts 1am
Elvis 12am
Country Willie & Cosmic Debris 11pm
Magically Delicious Smoking Skunk Monkey 10pm

MUSIC FOR LITERACY -
Book Drive at
BOOK PEOPLE

Music for Literacy is a program organized by librarian Issa Medrano of Blackshear Elementary in East Austin. Recognizing a need for reading material for her students, Mrs. Medrano has called on Austin's Music Industry to fight for literacy for Austin's underprivileged youth. The aim of this project is not only to provide summer reading material to children, but also to help them fill their own bookshelves with quality books.
Something no child should be without. In conjunction with BookPeople, Represent Austin has organized the Music for Literacy Book Drive. We are accepting all types of children's books suited for ages 4 to 11 (Pre-K through 5th grade)
Contact: Holly McCord for more info - holly@representaustin.com

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In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the release of Neutral Milk Hotel's "In An Airplane Over The Sea", The Flamingo Cantina will host a benefit concert featuring The Elephant 7 Players, a Neutral Milk Hotel Tribute band, plus special appearances by The Dark Hymnal and Low-end Frequency

In addition to the SIMS Foundation, some of the proceeds from the show will benefit Nuci's Space, a non-profit health and music resource center in Athens, GA. The aim of the organization is to prevent suicide by providing obstacle free treatment for musicians suffering from depression and other such disorders as well as to assist in the emotional, physical and professional well-being of musicians.

One great album
Two Great causes
Three great bands

Come out and join us...

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Skip Ewing's Horse & Writer Invitational 2008

For those of you who attended the ASG Songwriter Conference, you had an opportunity to experience Skip Ewing in his keynote address. During the address, he mentioned that he holds an annual one week retreat in Wyoming strictly for songwriters. Based solely on the merit of your songs, you could be one of the lucky 20 songwriters invited to the event and could possibly be the recipient of a scholarship to pay for the entire event. But, you cannot win if you do not play. If you are interested, click HERE for the PDF Press Release from Skip with details on how you can enter for your chance to win, along with other details.

ASG Spring Song Contest In Full Swing:
Entries are beginning to come in from all over the country for that chance to win the Grand Prize and record in Willie Nelson's studio. Remember you only have until May 31st to get your songs entered, and while that may seem like a long way off, believe me life has a way of clicking along in spite of us and the deadline will be staring you in the face before you know it. So, do not delay. Make it a point today to get your songs together and send them in. For details and submissions rules, visit the ASG web site at: http://www.austinsongwritersgroup.com