Funding boost secures live music in Austin's Red River District

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Friday nights are a time when many people head to downtown Austin for some live music. In the Red River Cultural District the tunes will continue. The group was having trouble with funding, but it got a much needed boost.

"We want people to check out Red River as a destination for exploring a new band that might become your favorite, for trying new food that you've never had before or even meeting new people," Nicole Klepaldo said. She's the interim Executive Director for the Red River Cultural District.

If you want to go see live music in Austin, there's a good chance you're headed to Red River.

"We host two festivals a year," Klepaldo said. "One is in January and one is in July. Those are typically the slowest parts of the year for musicians."

However, a funding crunch almost put a stop to "Free Week" and "Hot Summer Nights." That is, until Austin City Council stepped in. Money was officially approved at Thursday's meeting.

"It's an annual contract that would be an allocation for $150,000 a year," Klepaldo explained.

There would then be four, one-year renewals of $150,000 -- totaling $750,000 in the end.

The district understands it's only the start to what still needs to be done.

"We know challenges are not over," Klepaldo said. "This allocation of money is not going to solve all of our problems, but what it will do is allow more stability at the helm to continue to show up."

In the end, the district knows one thing. It's your support that keeps the music playing.

"Come out and check out these venues. Experience it. Pay the cover charge at the door to make sure the venue is able to pay those musicians," Klepaldo said.

To ensure the beat does go on for years to come.

An announcement about "Free Week" in January is expected in the next few weeks, Klepaldo added.