SIMS Third Party Events
Are you interested in hosting an event to benefit the SIMS Foundation? Please contact our Outreach & Communications Specialist Amanda Davenport, at amanda@simsfoundation.org.
To find out when the next SIMS event is please follow SIMS on Facebook and Twitter.
True Stories, Sordid Confessions and Music from the Heart of the City
Austin is a city of music. And with each song comes a story – stories of love, passion, joy and even bittersweetness. Join us as we celebrate the music that has punctuated our lives and honor industry legends in front of and behind the microphone.
On stage, Austin’s finest musicians alongside top music tastemakers will become storytellers and share their seldom-heard stories and disclose sordid confessions …all while providing a historic and uniquely memorable experience for the audience directly from the heart of the city.
Staying true to the walls of Emo’s Austin, this evening promises extraordinary stagecraft with the authenticity of being little rough around the edges.
With Master of Ceremony Joe Nick Patoski, and music direction by Grammy award-winner Adrian Quesada, this evening affair of soul-stirring songs, anecdotes and musical recollections is sure to be chronicled in Austin’s music anthology.
Songs and Stories by: Kathy Valentine, Israel Nash, Louis Black, Margaret Moser, Pete Astudillo, The Jones Family Singers, Redd Volkaert, Riders Against the Storm, Jeff Klein, Nakia, Michael Ramos, Carson McHone, Greg Gonzalez, The Soul Supporters, Stephanie Bergara, Graham Williams,
Andy Langer, Leo Rondeau, John Speice, Sonia Moore, Grupo Fantasma Horns and Charlie Sexton.
Sponsor and ticket information here.
ONGOING
MusiCares + SIMS Present: SOBER JAM
The MusiCares Sober Jam is a monthly event presented by MusiCares and their local affiliate partners The SIMS Foundation and Gibson Guitar Texas, offering musicians an opportunity to perform in a safe and sober environment.
The event is the last Monday of every month and begins at 7pm with an open Blues Jam, allowing guests time to arrive, mingle and find their way to a seat. At 8pm, the space will transition to a “Listening Room” where we feature several “open mic” style performances (solor or with a band). The Sober Jam concludes again with a open Blues Jam at which point we invite anyone to stage who has not yet had an opportunity to perform.
We consider all guests to be participants in the Sober Jam. By simply showing up, listening to the music, and offering an applause between songs, you are playing a meaningful role in creating a safe environment for the performers. In addition to donating their event space, Gibson Guitar also provides a variety of their instruments to play on-stage. More info here.
One Posture at a Time
PURE Action would like to invite you, your family and friends, and anyone else in support of the recovery community to our “One Posture at a Time” Austin Chapter, a new weekly donation yoga class every Saturday from 5:30-7:00pm at Pure Bikram Yoga Downtown. More info here.
PAST SIMS EVENTS
STARGAZING: SIMS 20th Anniversary Star Party
Saturday, December 5
KLRU Studio 6A
Join the SIMS Foundation as we gaze 20 years back in Austin music history with a night of stellar performances by a unique constellation of Austin musicians. On stage, Austin’s rising stars and cosmic legends front an all-star band for never-before-seen musical collaborations. KLRU’s Studio 6A, original home of Austin City Limits, is the backdrop for this star-studded night filled with music, stories, and images that are destine to be etched in Austin music history forever.
The evening is hosted by Austin Chronicle editor Louis Black and long time Austin arts supporter, Sandy Boone. As perfect and complex as the night sky, our line-up of Austin luminaries, curated by musical director Michael Ramos, promises to sparkle.
Stargazing Performers: Patty Griffin, Chris Layton, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Tito Larriva, Lolita Lynne, David Pulkingham, Fastball, Nakia, Peter Stopschinski, Elias Haslanger, Kyle Ellison, David Garza, Nina Diaz, The Peterson Brothers, Hunter Sharpe, and Jeremy Nail.
All-star house band that includes: Grammy award winner Adrian Quesada, David Garza, Michael Ramos, George Reiff, Conrad Choucroun, Grooveline Horns, Jazz Mills, Seela and Sonia Moore.
Who better than KUTX radio personalities, Jody Denberg and Elizabeth McQueen could narrate the night as our masters of ceremony.
Get your sponsorship and tickets today!
T. PARTY – TRIBUTE TO TRAVIS WEISS
Saturday, April 4 at 11A
J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor, TX
T. Party is an event to remember and celebrate the life of musician Travis Austin Weiss of Austin, Texas. This event is also a fundraiser for the SIMS Foundation – Mental Health Services for Austin Musicians. The bands performing are Amplified Heat, DUKE, Calvin Stanley, JWW and the Prospectors, Inconvenienced, Posey Chapel, Smokin’ Burnouts, Sic Pop, All Star Jam.
T. Party will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor, TX. Doors open at 11:00a.m. and the first band will start at 12:00 p.m. All ages welcome. Cover at the door is $5 per person and under 12 is free.
About Travis Austin Weiss
Travis Austin Weiss was born April 7, 1978 in Houston, TX to Donald and Karen (Cook) Weiss. He was a musician and bass player for Austin bands Duke and Broken Teeth. He shed his earthly form at the age of 34 on September 23, 2012. Throughout his career, Travis played in many bands including: FlipSide Den, The Innocents, American Idles, WT Special, Doom, Crashed, Trashcan Baptism, Plan 69, Hot Rod Hillbillies, and The Inconvenienced. Travis also enjoyed traveling, working on cars and was a food enthusiast. To learn more visit www.travisweiss.com and www.facebook.com/TravisAustinWeiss.
Texas Choral Consort Holiday Extravaganza with the Invincible Czars
Sunday, December 14 at 3PM
Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Boulevard
Texas Choral Consort will come together with rock Invincible Czars in a fresh take on musical holiday fun. Rocking Holiday Extravaganza will fill Austin’s unique Sholz Garten with electric renditions of pieces from The Nutcracker, A Charlie Brown Christmas, White Christmas and many more amped-up classics, as well as sing-alongs of holiday favorites.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the SIMS Foundation, which provides low-cost mental health services for Austin musicians and their families.
The concert will be held at 3:00pm, Sunday December 14, at the historic Sholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Boulevard in Austin TX. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $15 for Students, free for children 10 and under. Get your tickets today!
Music Under the Star
Every Sunday in May 2014 from 6-8pm
Bullock Museum of Texas State History, 1800 Congress Ave.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum and Austin Federation of Musicians are bringing music to the museum plaza every Sunday in May. This free outdoor concert series provides a soundtrack to some incredible sunset views of the State Capital. SIMS will see you there under the Star! Show runs 6-8pm.
May 4 – The Blues Crawlers
May 11 – Staehely Brothers Band
May 18 – Jumpstart
May 25 – Floyd Domino Band
Margaret Moser’s Retirement Party
May 4, 2014 from 2-8pm
Continental Club, 1315 S Congress Ave.
Margaret Moser: Texas Blond groupie, Austin Music Awards Director, and just a “fan with a typewriter” is stepping down from her 32-year reign at the Austin Chronicle. This Saturday from 2-8pm at the Continental Club, let’s cheer on the woman who dedicated so much of her career to our local musicians!
In true Margaret fashion, even her sayonara party benefited musicians’ mental health. SIMS thanks our faithful supporter, Margaret.
Austin Psych Fest
May 2-4, 2014
Carson Creek Ranch
psych /sīk/
adjective 1. short for psychiatric.
adjective 2. short for psychedelic.
We use this word frequently in May. It’s National Mental Health Awareness Month, but also that time when Austin Psych Fest rolls around with music that makes us gleefully groove. This weekend, join SIMS at Carson Creek Ranch while we have our minds blown by bands like the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Panda Bear. The SIMS tent will be vibing at the dreamy Austin Psych Fest all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Hey, Loretta! Hillbilly Hoedown & Pie Social
April 14, 2014 at 8pm
Continental Club
The honkiest, tonkiest gals in Austin saddled up with homemade pies and Loretta Lynn heartbreaker tunes. Benefiting SIMS, the 19th annual Hey, Loretta! Hillbilly Hoedown & Pie Social raised $3,600 for musicians’ mental health!
SIMS thanks all the performers who baked pies and sang their favorite Loretta Lynn songs to help SIMS. It was the perfect combo of sweet pie and even sweeter voices. Check out SIMS favorite Loretta Lynn songs here!
SXSWCares Big Benefit
April 12 – 20, 2014
Austin-wide
The SXSWCares Fund raises money for those affected by the Red River tragedy on March 13. During April 12-20, participating venues all over Austin contributed a portion of their sales for the SXSWCares fund as part of a nine-day benefit organized by Transmission Events, the Red River Cultural District, Austin Music People and SXSW.
Amplify Austin: SIMS Foundation
March 20 at 6pm – March 21 at 6pm
Online & world-wide
Amplify Austin is the annual 24-hour giving campaign to raise funds and awareness of hundreds of local nonprofits like the SIMS Foundation. After surpassing their goal of $2million in 2013, they’re pushing for $4million in gifts for SIMS and other local charities!
Make it count this Amplify Austin by putting your donation towards mental health and addiction recovery services for Austin musicians. St.David’s Foundation will be matching $.50 for every dollar made toward SIMS. That’s a donation amplified!
To participate, visit the SIMS Amplify page and make your gift from Thursday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m. to Friday, March 21st at 6:00 p.m.
Heartbreaker Banquet
March 14, 2014
Luck, TX
Away from the hustle and bustle of Austin, SIMS is kicking up some dust at Willie Nelson’s ghost town in Luck, TX. Heartbreaker Banquet, a day-long festival of live performances from artists Shovels & Rope, Lucius, and even Willie Nelson has already brought in over $3k in donations for the SIMS Foundation.
A huge thanks to Gibson Guitar who also donated an acoustic Epiphone to be signed backstage to fund SIMS services! Check out more photos from the 3rd annual Heartbreaker Banquet here.
Austin Music Awards
March 13, 2014 at 7:50pm
Austin Convention Center, 500 E Cesar Chavez St.
The SIMS Foundation cordially invites you to join us in an Austin tradition – the 32nd Annual Austin Music Awards! Each year, the Austin Chronicle hosts the Austin Music Awards as a kick-off to South by Southwest. The show is always full of incredible performances and a surprise guest or two. This year we celebrate Margaret Moser and her rein as the grande dame of the awards.
SIMS Strange Brew Sundays
Every Sunday in March 2014 at 11:00am-1:00pm
Strange Brew Lounge Side, 5326 Manchaca Rd.
Join SIMS and our friends, the Purgatory Players for Gospel Brunch every Sunday in March at Strange Brew Lounge Side. The Purgatory Players (Jeff Plankenhorn, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Jon Dee Graham, Seela and John Greene) are passing the plate for SIMS Foundation every Sunday in March to highlight SIMS and musicians’ support for mental wellness!
Confused about the Affordable Care Act?
February 26, 2014 at 7:00pm
Soundcheck Studios, 1901 East 51st St.
The SIMS Foundation and Health Alliance for Austin Musicians are joining Austin Music Foundation to discuss health care reform and insurance options for all members of the music industry- not just musicians. Please join us for an informative Q&A and prepare yourself for the March 31 deadline! Click the link to access our website, then click on the poster for your free RSVP: http://ow.ly/tZwyr
Central Texas African American Family Support Conference
February 25-26, 2014
Hilton Austin, 500 East 4th St.
The Central Texas African American Family Support Conference is an event for consumers and their families that strives to strengthen family and individual awareness of available healthcare services, behavioral and physical, and eliminate health disparities through culturally sensitive education and supports. Find the SIMS Foundation in the exhibitor section!
Heart of the City: A Celebration of Soul
February 15, 2014 at 8:00pm
Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St
Join us for a soulfully elegant evening on February 15 for the SIMS Foundation’s annual benefit concert. Heart of the City: A Celebration of Soul features 70s soul legend Bobby Patterson, Queen Bee Tameca Jones, the gospel-tinged artist Dan Dyer, The Voice’s Nakia, and Daniel James Leopold of Leopold and His Fiction.
The United Sounds of Austin: A Journey through 60 Years of Austin Music
January 11, 2014 at 8:00pm
ACL Live, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd
Alejandro Escovedo presents “United Sounds of Austin” at ACL Live. Enjoy the sounds of Austin legends, Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Terry Allen, Rosie Flores, Roky Erickson, and Alejandro of course! SIMS will be tabling outside on the patio, so come stop by and give us your love, Austin!
Giving Tuesday: SIMS Foundation
December 3, 2013
Online & world-wide
#GivingTuesday is a movement to create a national day of giving to kick off the giving season added to the calendar on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Its a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season and encourages charitable activities that support non-profit organizations like SIMS! Thank you for donating to our Austin musicians!
KGSR Broadcasts CD, Volume 21
November 29, 2013
In stores Austin-wide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – that time when KGSR puts out another poppin’ Broadcast CD to raise money for SIMS! After you’ve eaten your weight in turkey and that weird Jell-O mold, pick up a copy and give back to those we’re really thankful for — musicians.
Music by The Lumineers, Patty Griffin, Bob Schneider, and many more! Purchase Black Friday.
Birds presents Austin Besties: A Celebration of The 2013 Best of Austin
November 23, 2013 at 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Birds Barbershop, 1902 S. Congress Ave.
Birds Barbershop is celebrating its nomination as Austin’s favorite joint to get a haircut, and they’ve invited other “besties” –official and unofficial—to represent! Unofficial bestie, SIMS will be spreading the word about mental health for Austin’s real #1 (musicians)!
Thanks to our favorite barbershop who also raised big money for SIMS at Fun Fun Fun Fest with Cuts for a Cause!
Fun Fun Fun Fest
November 8-10, 2013
Auditorium Shores, 800 W Riverside Dr.
SIMS will be having fun fun fun as part of Austin’s music/comedy festival that is the FUN FUN FUN Fest. After you’ve taken in the sounds of metal, hip-hop, and indie rock; the sights of skaters flying high on a half-pipe; and dodged a bean & cheese from an actual taco cannon, come on down to the SIMS tent. We’ll be passing out festival essentials for another great music weekend in Austin!
In the meantime, need some help deciding who to see at FFF? SIMS has 30 songs by 30 artists we’ll be watching from our booth. Preview here!
MEOW Con
October 24-26, 2013
Renaissance Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd
Gianna Viola, a 10-year veteran SIMS provider along with SIMS Assistant Clinical Director, Jennifer Vocelka, take the stage at MEOW Con on Oct 26 to discuss behavioral health issues that affect women musicians. Gianna will speak from a long career providing psychotherapy to SIMS clients.
What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean for You?
October 15, 2013
Soundcheck Studios, 1901 E 51st St., #4
Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, Health Insurance Marketplace? What does it all mean? We’ve got the answers for you. On Oct 15, come to Soundcheck Studios at 7:00pm for an info session hosted by your favorite Austin music nonprofits. We’ll cover eligibility for musicians and how to sign up. R.S.V.P. here.
ACL Music Festival
October 4-6 and October 11-13
Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Kings of Leon, The Cure & Passion Pit: all bands that SIMS will be watching from our booth at ACL Music Festival! SIMS is part of ACL Cares, and we’ll be rockin’ and rollin’ both weekends with our friends at HAAM. We’re handing out SIMS SPF 30 and other festival necessities, so come see us and take a break from the sun. We’ll be right there with you dancing, singing, and experiencing the best of Austin with a smile.
NAMI Walk: Austin
September 28, 2013 at 8:00am
Auditorium Shores, 800 W Riverside Dr.
Little known fact: 1 in 4 Americans are living with a mental illness. That could be someone you know. Join SIMS as we participate in Austin’s NAMI 5K Walk, an annual mental health awareness event taking place at Auditorium Shores Saturday, Sept 28. Whether you walk more like Run DMC or Aerosmith, come dressed up in your best rock garb and walk this way with SIMS!
No Name No. 1: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith
August 9, 2013
Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St.
On August 9, Austin hosts No Name #1, one in a series of benefit concerts across the country celebrating the life, spirit, and music of songwriter Elliott Smith. Hosted at the historic Scottish Rite Theater, the show features Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle, Ben Kweller, Dana Falconberry, David Garza, and extra special guests playing the music that inspired Elliott and inspired covers of some of his most treasured songs.
To learn more, visit the event page.
UPDATE: The show is sold out! Check out the concert’s profile in SPIN Magazine.
Pachanga Latino Music Festival
May 10-11, 2013
Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
May is Latin Music Month and it’s our favorite time of the year. We hope you will join SIMS at Pachanga, Austin’s Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festival dedicated to showcasing the vibrant blend of Latino-created music and art and the impact it has on American culture today. The line-up includes Intocable, Los Lobos, Flaco Jimenez and many, many more bands that you won’t wanna miss. Get your tickets NOW!
The Austin Psych Fest
April 26-28
Carson Creek Ranch, 9501 Sherman Road
Austin Psych Fest has become the world’s premiere showcase of psychedelic rock, spotlighting the best new vanguards of mind expanding music and hosting legendary artists from around the world, including The Moving Sidewalks, Deerhunter, Clinic, Warpaint, The Raveonettes, Roky Erickson and more!
Loretta Lynn Hillbilly Hoedown & Pie Social
April 20 at 8:00pm
Continental Club, 1315 S Congress Ave.
Thank you, country music fans! The 18th Annual “Hey, Loretta!” raised $4240 for SIMS and as always showcased the finest honky-tonk gals around and the coolest pie auction this side of Butcher Holler.
KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove
April 11, 2013 at 8:00pm
Shady Grove Restaurant, 1624 Barton Springs Rd.
Thank you KSRG Austin! This year marks the 20th Anniversary of KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove! Help SIMS celebrate 20 years of free live music and 15 years of support from KGSR. Thank you KSGR for 15 years of supporting SIMS and 20 years of hosting this free outdoor concert series. We kicked off the season right with Austin legend Bob Schneider.
Gospel Brunch with the Purgatory Players
Every Sunday in April at 11:00am-1:00pm
Strange Brew Coffee House, 5326 Manchaca Road
Join SIMS each Sunday in April at Strange Brew’s Gospel Brunch, featuring the Purgatory Players (Jeff Plankenhorn, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Conrad Choucroun and John Dee Graham). This is a wildly popular event with a killer all-star band. Plus, ya never know who could show up and make a guest appearance! Proceeds benefit SIMS!
Heartbreaker Banquet
March 14
Willie Nelson’s Luck, Texas Ranch
Thank you to Matt and the entire Heartbreaker Banquet team for creating an amazing event and helping SIMS at the same time. Thanks to the generous support of Heartbreaker attendees, SIMS was able to raise over $6K to further our mission.
The Austin Music Awards
March 13
Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces St.
Thank you to everyone at the Austin Chronicle for hosting the 31st annual Austin Music Awards. The Austin Chronicle, a strong supporter of the SIMS mission, donated all ticket proceeds from the event to the SIMS Foundation, resulting in over $8K raised. This contribution helps provide life-saving mental health services to Austin musicians and their families when they need them most. Check out photos from the night HERE!