Legendary Venue Encourages Bands, Fans to Give and Support One Another Stubb's BBQ Holds Benefit Concert for The SIMS Foundation
WHEN: Saturday, December 29, 2007; Doors open at 8 pm
WHERE: Stubb's BBQ, 801 Red River, 512.480.8341
COST: $5
On December 29th, Stubb's BBQ, with the help of three young Austin bands, are serving up a big plate of community. The SIMS Foundation, an organization connecting Austin's musicians with mental health and addiction recovery services since 1995, will be the beneficiary of Stubb's December 29 show, ensuring more Austin musicians and their loved ones have a safer and healthier new year. The concert will feature The Hydmen, The Diving Captain, and Rockstroh.
Tracy Overath, General Manager of Stubb's BBQ who helped organize the event, says, "I appreciate the great service that SIMS provides local musicians. It is such a great resource for mental health and addiction recovery." She continues, "I want these young bands to know about the SIMS Foundation and I feel it is a good way for them to contribute to the local music community."
THE HYDMEN formed in Hyde Park in late 2006. There style of music is in the category of Psychedelic Rock, though it has changed over time. he group is influenced by Austin's music scene among others. Check out their MySpace Page THE DIVING CAPTAIN is an Austin-based Indie Pop group Check out their MySpace Page ROCKSTROH is an Austin-based alternative band. Check out their MySpace Page
Doors - 8:00
Rockstroh - 8:30-9:00
The Diving Captain - 9:15-9:45
The Hydmen - 10:00-10:45
Austin Daze Presents The Gourds for Holidaze Show - Proceeds to benefit the SIMS Foundation.
When: December 7, 20079pm Where: Ruta Maya Coffee Shop 3601 S. Congress Austin TX
Austin Daze Magazine presents a "Holidaze" show December 7, 2007 at Ruta Maya, featuring Austin's own legendary band "The Gourds" with proceeds benefiting the SIMS Foundation. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Hailed as possibly America's greatest songwriting duo, Gourd's songwriters "Kevin Russell and Jimmy Smith have written the most dense, reference-laden country songs of the last 10 years and almost single-handedly made a place for deep thought in a genre of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonks".
The Gourd's ninth studio release "Noble Creatures" is a slight departure from their usual ilk with ballad driven songs. Inspired by a single song based upon an accident while fiddling around with a ukulele chord book, which Kevin Russell claims is "surely the most stirring and beautiful" song he's ever written, the Gourd's boisterous rough edges still provide a barrage of amusing and thought-provoking images. With verses like "Jammin' on the old cartoons with the swagger of the immune / Sleeping like a fat raccoon / diabetic on a honeymoon, the Gourd's live shows are always a good bet.
The Austin Daze Magazine is a local, grassroots and soulful paper that bridges the gap between local, national and international personalities that come through Austin. The paper conducts great interviews and covers many of the events that make Austin special. Austin Daze has been in print for 8 years and continues to roll on strong with much community support. The paper has been keeping it real and doing it's best to share and showcase some of the undiscovered beauty alongside the well-known talent. The paper is released every two months in print format and is also online at http://www.austindaze.com Check out the past issues in the archive section.
The paper will give back to another organization that gives so much to the music community, The SIMS Foundation. Helping to keep Austin "The Live Music Capitol of the World," The SIMS Foundation is a safety net that provides low cost mental health services to musicians.
All the elements are in place for a very special night of music. Advance tickets can be purchased at http://www.austindaze.com
DISCOVER THE NEW AUSTIN MUSIC HALL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26th at 6:00pm
Featuring live music by Del Castillo, Bobbie Nelson, Kacy Crowley, Carolyn Wonderland, Nakia & His Southern Cousins and more!
TICKET PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SIMS
Direct Events is excited to announce that on Monday, November 26th at 6pm the new and improved Austin Music Hall will open its doors to the public for the first time since rebuilding began in May 2007. The celebration will feature live music by Austin’s own Del Castillo, Bobbie Nelson, Kacy Crowley, Carolyn Wonderland and more!
Tickets are $10 (service fees will not apply). All proceeds will go to benefit the SIMS FOUNDATION.
Tickets are on sale now at GetTix including Waterloo Records, RunTex, UT Co-Op or charge-by-phone 1-866-443-8849 or online at www.austinmusichall.com.
“Over many years Direct Events has presented music to and for the Austin community. DE’s goals have always been geared towards creating a better forum to present great music from Austin and all around the world. Our team has created a space that the city of Austin can be proud to call their own,” said Tim O’Connor Owner of Direct Events.
In 2006, Direct Events revealed a plan that would upgrade the Austin Music Hall. On May 18, 2007 the original Austin Music Hall was completely demolished to make way for a brand new venue.
The NEW Austin Music Hall has expanded in size from 22,000 square feet to approximately 43,000 square feet, increasing the new total seating capacity to approximately 3,000 and the new total general admission capacity to 4,400.
Improvements include:
٭Expanded Mezzanine level ٭Multiple full-service bars ٭Terrace overlooking Nueces Street ٭Upgraded (chilled water based) climate control system ٭Performance stage doubled in size ٭New artist dressing rooms ٭Interior design will better accommodate private and special events ٭Exclusive club & box seating, the Tower Club and Moontower Suites
The Austin Music Hall is one of the most recognized live music and special events venues in Central Texas. In 1994, the Austin Music Hall was one of the first properties in the Austin Warehouse District to be converted into an upscale facility. The Austin Music Hall has hosted hundreds of concerts, presenting such acts as Bruce Springsteen, Beck, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Foo Fighters and Dave Matthews Band. In addition, Direct Events and Austin Music Hall have been involved in booking and organizing upscale private events and fundraisers that have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations. UPCOMING EVENTS
96.7 KISS FM’s The Bobby Bones Show Anniversary
Featuring: Bash w/ Sean Kingston, Lifehouse, Good Charlotte,
Boys Like Girls, Baby Bash and Three Days Grace
12.11.07 MIX 94.7 Presents DURAN DURAN
12.14.07 Toadies
1.12.08 Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
1.25.08 - 1.27.08 Zach Scott Theatre presents Porgy and Bess
1.30.08 - 1.31.08 Zach Scott Theatre presents Porgy and Bess
2.01.08 - 2.03.08 Zach Scott Theatre presents Porgy and Bess
4.6.08 B.B. King
6.8.08 The Cure
National Survivors of Suicide Day When: 11/17/2007
Survivors of Suicide - Both Individuals and Professionals: Please consider attending the ninth annual National Survivors of Suicide Day Teleconference on Saturday, November 17, 2007. The program is aimed at meeting the needs of recent survivors of suicide, individuals, families and professionals who have lost loved ones or clients. Click HERE to see the flyer for this event.
Important Survey on the Austin Music Industry When: 11/13-20/2007
Austin Music Foundation is working with a group of UT business students to
conduct a research project focusing on the local music industry
infrastructure.
The study will seek to identify existing gaps in the infrastructure, potential business opportunities, areas that need community support, and ways that the City of Austin and other institutions and businesses could assist in music industry growth. Please fill out the survey and give us your thoughts on this important research project that could potentially be a catalyst for growth in the local music industry. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
Town Hall Meeting on Changes to the Austin Sound Ordinance When: Monday, November 5 7:00 pm
Where:
Momo's
Of key interest is a proposal to lower the decibel levels in the Austin sound ordinance and impose other restrictions. The proposal would change the requirements for obtaining an outdoor music permit. The person wanting the permit could not be closer than 100 ft from a residence and the decibel limits would be significantly reduced from 85 to 75 and 70 depending on the hour.
Considering all the downtown condo development, and affordability issues potentially pushing some venues out of the urban core, this could affect numerous live music venues. A change to the ordinance would open the door to further and broader changes as the Austin landscape continues to change. The proposed amendment, if adopted, could have a significant effect on the ability to play live music in Austin. That is why this issue is so important to musicians, venue owners and others in the music industry. Please attend the Town Hall Meeting, support the interests of the Austin music industry, and let your voice be heard.
First Annual Gram Parsons Birthday Hoot Nite
Benefiting the SIMS Foundation (poster)
WHEN: Saturday, November 5, 2007 from 7 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. WHERE: Threadgill’s World Headquarters in Austin, Texas (301 West
Riverside Drive) 512.472.9304 COST: $10
A pioneer in the marriage of country and rock music, Gram Parsons has been an undeniable influence on the artists and music of today’s Americana movement. 34 years after his death, on the anniversary of his birth, an impressive list of performers will gather to sing his music. This is not only a night for those familiar with his music to remember, but an opportunity for those not familiar with his music to hear and enjoy it for the first time.
A house band will accompany a parade of invited participants to perform their favorite Gram Parsons songs (either written, recorded by, or associated with Gram Parsons). The event will be held on November 5th, Gram Parson’s birthday, from 7 to 10PM at Threadgill’s World Headquarters in Austin TX, hosted by Patterson Barrett.
Proceeds will benefit The Sims Foundation, (www.simsfoundation.org/index.html) an organization that provides low-cost counseling and other mental health services to Austin-area musicians and their families.
A growing list of performers includes:
*Cody and Willy Braun from the band Reckless Kelly
*Gurf Morlix, if you're a musician, you probably know Gurf,
*Earl P. Ball, whose work appears with Gram’s on the Byrd's Sweetheart Of The Rodeo album,
*Christine Albert, solo artist and half of the duo Albert and Gage,
*Patterson Barrett
*Freddie “Steady” Krc
*Randy Weeks
*Lisa Hayes
*Dustin Welch
*Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist from The Band Of Heathens
*Mandy Mercier
*Chris Gates
*Bradley Kopp and Lorrie Singer
*Steve Brooks
*Cam King (of the Explosives) who will also be employing his second-string-bender in the house band.
*Tommy Spurlock
*Jamie Oldaker, drummer to the stars
*David Cotton, drummer turned talent buyer
GROUNDED IN MUSIC PRESENTS: “BRING THE MUSIC BACK”- A CHARITY CONCERT TO BENEFIT MUSIC EDUCATION
Newly Launched “Grounded in Music” Program Seeks Community’s Support with a November 5th Fundraiser at Antone’s in Austin, Texas
On Monday, November 5, 2007, Grounded in Music will host its first benefit concert to raise money to support its’ number one mission: “to inspire children to turn to music as a hobby, career, outlet, or alternative to life on the streets.”
The concert will be held at Antone’s located at 213 W. 5th Street in Austin. Featured artists will include Adam Hood, Sonny Burgess, Doug Moreland, Jason Allen, Josh Grider, Owen Temple, Justin Johnson, Ryan Turner, Ryan James, Kyle Park and many more.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.frontgatetickets.com for $10.00. Doors open at 8 p.m. and show time begins at 9 p.m. All proceeds from this event will be used to purchase musical instruments for under-privileged youth, provide education in musicianship, teach music theory, as well as offer music-related opportunities outside of performance.
Grounded in Music was founded in early 2007 in Austin, Texas by industry professionals Joe Stallone (Legal Attorney of Bracewell & Giuliani Law firm), Jeff Kreinik (Director of Sales and Marketing for Front Gate Tickets), Zach Baker (Owner of The Jiles Agency), Michael McKinley (CEO of Made Creative Management), and Matt Hoffman (Legal Attorney of Duane Morris LLP. The organization is headed up by Executive Director, Jacquelyn Sorcic.
The non-profit works with underprivileged youth within the Boys & Girls Club system to expose youth to music starting in grade four and continuing through grade 12. The newly established foundation is a clear-cut solution to the rising cutbacks in music programs in schools in Austin and across the country.
“Music offers many positive benefits and GIM is committed to offering music to children who may not have access to it,” states Stallone. “Statistics show that students that are involved in music programs perform better academically in the areas of math and reading in their early years and also score higher on the SATs in the areas of math and verbal, regardless of their socio-economic background.”
The founders of GIM believe that exposing youth to music at a young age and providing underprivileged children the opportunity to immerse themselves in music increases academic performance, helps build good character and is a major contributor to the positive individual they can become. “Sadly, public schools across the nation are cutting back on music programs and some are even eliminating them altogether from their core curriculum,” said Stallone. “Grounded in Music’s sole mission is to inspire children to turn to music as a hobby, career, outlet, or an alternative to life on the streets.”
UPCOMING CLASS FOR MUSICIANS & MUSIC RELATED BUSINESSES
10-23-2007 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
International Center of Austin - seminar Room
201 East Second Street
Austin, TX 78701
$30 includes parking, class materials and light refreshments
rsvp by october 19th at www.cityofaustin.org/sbdp
Questions? call 974.7800
Do you own a company, or are you contemplating owning a company that deals with artists? Do you have contractual relationships with these artists? Do you know how to create contractual relationships with these artists? Have you tried to draft your own contract from the internet? The focus of this class will be an explanation of contractual relationships, the language that creates these relationships and how they can and should be memorialized.
Some of the topics discussed will include:
• Management agreements
• Publisher agreements
• Record contracts
Learn how to understand/decipher the language of the contract, negotiate the contract, and most importantly, ensure that your contract is a good “deal”.
This class will be taught by Stephen Summer, a local entertainment attorney/Jazz musician.
Hosted by the City of Austin Small Business Development Program in partnership with the Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas
September/October 2007
AUSTIN MUSIC FOUNDATION PRESENTS OCTOBER 2007 MUSIC INDUSTRY BOOT CAMP FEATURING NATIONAL SPEAKERS Tastemakers and Trendsetters: Insider Info from Music Media Icons
3 critically acclaimed members of the music media give Austin artists an inside look into press coverage
What: AMF's Music Industry Boot Camp, Date: Monday, October 22, 2007 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location:The Mohawk, 912 Red River, Austin, Texas
The live educational panel will feature:
Michael Endelman, staff editor, SPIN magazine;
Raoul Hernandez, music editor, The Austin Chronicle; and
Andy Langer, music columnist with Esquire, XM satellite radio host (The Armadillo Radio Hour), 101X DJ (The Next Big Thing), News 8 Austin (Livewire and Backstage Pass).
This candid discussion with three highly influential members of the music media will explore the realities of how independent artists can get media coverage in a competitive marketplace, do’s and don’ts in dealing with the media, how to put together a focused and innovative pitch, and how music writers and editors learn about new music. This is a one-of-a kind opportunity for central Texas artists to learn directly from three highly acclaimed music journalists as they talk with directness and candor, present valuable information, and answer audience questions.
“AMF has received an overwhelming number of requests to present Andy and Raoul in an educational discussion format,” says Alissa McCain, AMF’s program director. “These are much-loved figures in our community with ties and influence that span far beyond the Austin area. We are also thrilled to be bringing Michael Endelman, a veteran music journalist and editor of the iconic music publication Spin magazine from New York to Austin for this Boot Camp. We think this extraordinary panel will prove to be one of AMF’s most informative evenings yet, and we are excited to present this event to the Austin community.”
Music Industry Boot Camp seminars are open to the public and FREE to attend.
Joe's Crab Shack/Austin Music Foundation Fund Raiser
When:Thursday, September 27th 11am - 10pm
Joe's Crab Shack will donate 10% of the proceeds from any customer who mentions that they are there to support AMF. the event will have live music starting at 5pm from:
Brent Allen, Patrick Conway, Ryan Vaugh, Chopper (kissinger) and Kit Holmes. Go to http://austinmusicfoundation.org/ for more info.
KVET’s Neighbors In Need Blood Drive When: Tuesday, 9-11 Hours: 7am until 7pm Where:The Blood Center of Central Texas 4300 N. Lamar Phone: 512-206-1266 Web site:www.inyourhands.org
Each donor will receive a commemorative T-shirt
There will be US flags, or flag lapel pins, available due to this date also being Patriots Day
There will be hourly door prizes to be eligible to win – winners will be notified on Wednesday, 9-12
There will be local acoustic country musicians playing in the afternoon from 2pm until 6:30pm
Our blood supply is very critical right now, so we need everyone to come and donate to get the supply back to where it needs to be and so there will be blood available for all of the neighbors when/if they need it! We would like to draw 300 people on this date. That would help greatly.
“Save A Number…Save A Life”
Texas’ New Awareness Campaign to Reduce Suicide Deaths
Each year, more than 30,000 people die by suicide in the United States and more than 6 people die by suicide each week in Texas. Suicide is one of the most preventable deaths if people know the warning signs, take them seriously, persuade people to get help, and know where to refer them to help.
Because numbers are hard to remember in a crisis, Mental Health America of Texas and the Texas Suicide Prevention Council will kick off the “Save A Number…Save a Life” campaign in communities throughout the state during National Suicide Prevention Week, September 9-15.
An actual cell phone programming event will take place at the news conference where individuals will program their cell phones with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK. This type of event is scheduled to occur in many venues including high school football games in the greater Austin area.
Stone Cold Sober and Loving It
Recovery in the Park - The 3rd Annual Concert for Addiction Recovery Benefiting SIMS
AUSTIN, TEXAS - The SIMS Foundation, an organization connecting Austin's musicians with mental health and addiction recovery services since 1995, will be the beneficiary of the "Recovery in the Park"
concert - celebrating and supporting sobriety. The concert in Kerrville on September 29 will featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard, Marc Benno & the Neo Nightcrawlers, Shawn Pander, 72, The Resentments, Nicole Mauricio, and Bekah Kelso. Lame Horse Instruments has donated a specialty Stratocaster guitar for a raffle at the event. This is the second year SIMS has participated in the event - which began in
2005 - and the SIMS Volunteers Rock! team will be on hand with information and SIMS goodies.
ROCK AND ROLL RAFFLE
Austin's own Lame Horse Instruments has donated a specialty guitar for raffle at the event. This instrument starts life as a moderately priced version of the American classic Fender Stratocaster. Lame Horse craftspeople then strip it down to the basics, and replace all the essential parts such as tuners and pickups with high quality components. The frets are leveled and re-crowned, and the action and intonation are set to perfection. The new pickups are hand wound in their shop to 1957 Fender specs. "The result is a new moderately priced instrument which sounds like a 1957 Strat, but plays much better." Raffle proceeds will go to The SIMS Foundation.
There will also be photography in the raffle by rock n’ roll photographer Henry Diltz. Giltze is a visual historian of the last four decades of popular music. For over 40 years, his work has graced hundreds of album covers and has been featured in books, magazines and newspapers. His unique artistic style has produced powerful photographic essays of Woodstock , The Monterey Pop Festival, The Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and scores of other legendary artists.
RECOVERY IN THE PARK
Recovery in the Park began in April 2005. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sent a Recovery Month Kit and it wound up on the desk of the Chief Operating Officer at La Hacienda Treatment Center, Rich Whitman. He decided that they should recognize National Recovery Month in a uniquely Central Texas manner. What started as a simple cookout for the organization's alumni soon turned into a big cookout for all the alumni of three treatment facilities in the Hill Country area complete with a pre- event motorcycle run with a stop at each facility - which started in Hunt and traveled through Fredericksburg and Center Point and ended at Louise Hays Park in Kerrville.
The crowd that first year was a bit larger than originally expected because they had an opportunity to give back by inviting the Hurricane Katrina refugees in the area to come out. The event grew even more when Ray Wylie Hubbard and The SIMS Foundation joined in 2006, along with the immensely popular guitar raffle. The 2007 event is expected to be even bigger. La Hacienda offers patients a peaceful, natural environment conducive to the full recovery of body, mind and spirit. Their 32 acre campus is located 75 miles northwest of San Antonio on the Guadalupe River.
July/August
"HEARTS FOR THE ARTS" Blood Drive, Saturday August 25th 2007
KGSR and the Blood Center of Central Texas are proud to announce the "Hearts For The Arts" blood Drive , taking place Saturday, Aug. 25th from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm at 4300 North Lamar. The first 150 Donors will receive a free KGSR Sampler CD, and Each Donor will receive a commemorative blood drive t-shirt. Each donor can register for an Escape to San Antonio mini-vacation package. For more info contact Blood Center at 512-206-1266 or at www.inyourhands.org
SIMS seeks memorabilia for "The History of SIMS" Project We are assembling a "History of The SIMS Foundation" project, and we are looking for any and all information, photos, music, and/or other memorabilia for The SIMS Foundation since it’s inception in 1995, Sims Ellison as a musician, and Pariah as a band. Please contact Lauren Morgan at llmorgan@austin.rr.com or call at 472-1008 for more info.
The SIMS Foundation Announces "Office Tune Ups" To Benefit Corporate Culture and Musician's Lives
AUSTIN, TEXAS - The SIMS Foundation, an organization providing low- cost counseling and other mental health services for musicians and their loved ones for a dozen years, today announces a corporate outreach/team building/fundraising initiative called "SIMS Office Tune Ups." Office Tune Ups are essentially a private concert produced by SIMS for Austin-area companies so they can thank employees/ clients, do team-building, and 'give back' with one easy and fun event that suits their schedules and tastes. Participating bands
include: The Gourds, The Mother Truckers, Wendy Colonna, Guy Forsyth, Adam Sultan, Randy Weeks, Ramsay Midwood, Scott H Biram, Viva Trio, Pong, and others.
The SIMS Foundation hopes to raise awareness of and funds for their cause, while providing a much more Austin-authentic office party as compared to team-building sessions, Powerpoint presentations, or tame happy hours. Essentially, SIMS puts on a custom concert at Central Market or location of their choosing - with food and drinks - for an audience of 10-100 of their choosing. In turn, this helps The SIMS Foundation by raising money for the organization and builds awareness in the corporate community.
How Office Tune Ups Make A Difference
Everyone knows that music is an integral part of what makes Austin a great place to work and play, but being a working musician isn't easy. Studies show that creative individuals such as musicians suffer disproportionately from mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.
Stresses such as unstructured work hours, constant scrutiny, and rejection combined with an average income of $300 per week (often from employers who don't offer health care) can leave artists struggling with many personal issues.
Like each of their programs, SIMS Office Tune Ups support the foundation's mission "to provide access to and financial support for mental health and addiction recovery services for Austin-area musicians and their families" in three ways. Companies are investing in SIMS with their Office Tune Ups fee, musicians are getting another gig and exposure to new audiences, and our organization and mission are being communicated to key stake-holders: office leaders and workers who may well be potential donors, sponsors, and decision makers in our community.
Proceeds from Elliott Smith book to be donated to The SIMS Foundation
Autumn de Wilde to Donate a Portion of the Proceeds From New Interview/Photo Book Elliott Smith to the SIMS Foundation
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Autumn de Wilde has announced that a portion of the proceeds from her forthcoming book Elliott Smith (Chronicle Books, San Francisco), a memoir for the late American singer-songwriter, will be donated to The SIMS Foundation in Austin.
Elliott Smith's intensely intimate music and open-hearted, Beatlesque pop songs have left a deep mark on a generation of fans and musicians in the wake of his tragic death in 2003. In Autumn de Wilde's remarkable photographs and conversations with close friends, family, and musicians he inspired, this is the first and only portrait of the beloved singer/songwriter by those who knew him well. Autumn de Wilde has chosen The SIMS Foundation, the non-profit that provides mental health services to musicians in Austin, as a partial beneficiary.
The Free Minds Project provides Travis County adults living on low to moderate incomes with a chance to fulfill their intellectual potential and to "jumpstart" their college education. In the Free Minds Project, students explore new ways of thinking about themselves and about their world by studying important works of literature, history, philosophy, and art.
Top UT Austin and Austin Community College professors lead students in lively discussions and help to improve their skills in writing, communicating, and critical thinking. Subjects studied include:
Philosophy, Literature, Classics, U.S. History, Theater, and Writing. Students who successfully complete the course receive six college credits.
The Project provides students with a variety of support services, including individual writing instruction, college and career counseling, and information about applying for financial aid.
Additional field trips to local performances, museums, talks, and readings relevant to the course material are arranged throughout the year.
Tuition is free. Books and childcare are also be provided without charge. Transportation assistance is available. For more info click HERE.
Free Mental Health Screening Day Offered by the YWCA of Greater Austin
The YWCA of Greater Austin is offering a free mental health screening for women and men on Friday, June 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Click HERE to see the flyer for more information, or call 326-1222.
12th Anniversary of Sims Ellison's death The genesis of The SIMS Foundation
Posted 06/07/2007
On June 6, 1995, Austin Musician Sims Ellison Took His Life -
A Dozen Years Later, The SIMS Foundation Is Still Saving Countless Lives in His Name
AUSTIN, TEXAS – This Wednesday, Austin musicians, friends, family, and foundation board and staff remember the passing of their inspiration, Sims Ellison. A prodigious songwriter and member of the band Pariah, one of Austin's most popular hard-rock bands in the early 90s, Ellison was loved throughout the Austin music community because of his laid-back nature and his out-going personality. After his suicide in the early summer of 1995, loved ones gathered to reflect on his mental health and the lack of compassionate assistance available to he and the many other musicians in our community. A dozen years later, the SIMS Foundation serves over 500 Austin-area musicians and their families annually with otherwise unattainable access to mental health services including addiction recovery.
Austin touts itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World" but there are few mainstream mental health service choices for the musicians who make it so. In fact, more musicians flock to our city every year in search of an inclusive and inspiring community in which to work. Unfortunately, with the rising cost of living and increasing competition for jobs in the music business, many of these musicians find themselves struggling financially and emotionally. The challenges of being a musician can include personal issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and addictions.
THE LIFE OF SIMS ELLISON
Along with writing, performing, and recording music in Austin and across the nation, Sims enjoyed spending time with friends and fans and his girlfriend of several years, Renee Zellweger. Good reviews from their two self-produced albums, 'Pariah' and 'Rattle Your Skull' gave Pariah a following of nearly 25,000 fans and sent them to Los Angeles. In 1992 Pariah released the self-produced CD Make Believe, on the band's own label, Sick Kid Productions, and 'To Mock a Killingbird' was released by Geffen Records in 1993. Two years later, Sims lost his battle with depression and took his own life.
SIMS FOUNDATION
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 musicians and their families. Today SIMS continues to support the local music community by providing such services. Services available from SIMS include information and referral services; individual, family, and couples counseling; therapy for children and adolescents; and addiction recovery services. SIMS services stand out from other mental health providers because of the attention paid to the specific needs of musicians and their families. SIMS welcomes musicians from all musical genres, races, and ethnicities who meet the eligibility requirements. Even those who do not meet the eligibility requirements can find support through SIMS because the clinical staff members stay well-informed of area services and can provide callers with information on other community resources that may be of benefit to them. This may include financial, medical, housing, or informational resources.
Sims Ellison (1967-1995)
If you are a musician looking for help, call the SIMS confidential line at (512) 494-1007. For emergencies, call the Travis County Help Line at (512) 472-HELP (472-4357) or the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. Eligibility requirements for treatment are explained at www.simsfoundation.org. To make a contribution to the SIMS Foundation, call (512) 472-1008 or visit www.simsfoundation.org.
Ask a Question. Save a Life.
The SIMS Foundation is proud to join the Austin Travis County Suicide Prevention Coalition and Mental Health America of Texas, and the Central Texas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in offering this FREE workshop to the Austin Community.
SIMS Foundation was born out of the suicide death of a well-loved and respected musician, Sims Ellison
We are in constant pursuit of the prevention of suicide.
SIMS encourages musicians, their families, friends, and the entire Austin Community to learn simple skills that are proven to prevent suicide.
Classes are FREE and only take two and one-half hours of your time!
QPRä means “Question, Persuade, Refer” and is a simple training designed for non-professional folks.
Please join other members of the community as we come forward to learn new skills for saving lives
Saturday, May 12th from 11:00 to 1:30
Tarrytown United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
2601 Exposition Blvd (map)
Refreshments Served Please RSVP to 512-472-1008 so that we can plan according
SIMS Foundation Releases Online Musicians Survey An Invitation to All Austin Area Musicians and Their Friends and Families
The SIMS Foundation, Inc. of Austin Texas is inviting all area musicians, their friends, partners and family members to share their opinions about the needs and concerns of Austin area musicians. Your opinions are very important to us. The information you provide is private and confidential. Your responses will be combined into a summary report that will be used by SIMS for program enhancement and planning activities. Thank you for Helping Austin Musicians Stay in Tune.
Deborah Haltom Snell, LPC died March 21, 2007. Deborah was a long time member of the SIMS Provider Network and shared her counseling expertise with the Austin music community for several years. Deborah will be missed by her SIMS family and friends.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Charles and daughter Sarah Brand. SIMS extends our deepest sympathy to her family.
Bereavement Counseling Available
The SIMs Foundation is well aware that many people may be grief stricken by the death of Deborah Snell. If you or someone you know would benefit by bereavement counseling, please contact our Clinical Staff to inquire about this services by phoning SIMS’ Confidential Clinical line 512-494-1007.
KGSR Broadcast XIV CD a huge success posted 03/29/2007
The SIMS Foundation would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the KGSR Broadcast XIV CD. This annual project is vital to the continued operations of the SIMS Foundation. Special thanks to Program Director Jody Denberg and the KGSR staff, who every year manage to enlist a broad range of musicians to lend their talents and passion to the CD, to the musicians who participated, to our community partners who come together to help create and promote the project, and to everyone who purchased the CD.
SIMS is eternally grateful to one and all for helping Austin musicians stay in tune.
Ray Benson's Birthday Auction An Ongoing Success posted 03/30/2007
The SIMS Foundation and The Health Alliance For Austin Musicians would like to thank Ray Benson, as well as everyone who participated and bid on items in this year's auction. It's the first time we've done it online, and it was a great success. There are several items still available, and they will be re-listed on Monday April 2nd, so be sure to check out the web site for more info.
SIMS Foundation
now listed with ebay GivingWorks and MissionFish posted 03/27/2007
The SIMS Foundation is now a registered nonprofit in the ebay GivingWorks program. Giving Works is a safe and easy to donate proceeds from an eBay sale to the SIMS Foundation. Just list your items with eBay Giving Works - the easiest way to sell certified charity items on eBay. Through eBay Giving Works you can do well for yourself and do good for someone else at the same time! Click HERE for more info!
Austin Daze Presents The Gourds for Holidaze Show - Proceeds to benefit the SIMS Foundation. 
DISCOVER THE NEW AUSTIN MUSIC HALL 
Important Survey on the Austin Music Industry
Town Hall Meeting on Changes to the Austin Sound Ordinance
First Annual Gram Parsons Birthday Hoot Nite
AUSTIN MUSIC FOUNDATION PRESENTS OCTOBER 2007 MUSIC INDUSTRY BOOT CAMP FEATURING NATIONAL SPEAKERS
AUSTIN, TEXAS - The SIMS Foundation, an organization connecting Austin's musicians with mental health and addiction recovery services since 1995, will be the beneficiary of the "Recovery in the Park" 
