Music news: Travis County DA Jose Garza partners with RRCD for SIMS Foundation
Today, recently elected Travis County DA Jose Garza announced a concert benefit partnership with Red River Cultural District (RRCD) Austin music mental health organization, SIMS Foundation called Safer Together: Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction Saves Lives. On December 4, nine yet-be-named performances will take place at three different venues in downtown Austin. including Empire, Mohawk, and The Green Jay while featuring performances from several popular local acts. 100% of proceeds from the concerts will go to support SIMS who are in the midst of a national expansion campaign.
The timing on the part of the DA’s office and the RRCD could not be better for SIMS or the local music community who are still reeling from the past couple years of pandemic-wrought havoc. In response to a rise in overdose related deaths in Austin over the last year, Garza has partnered with the non-profit organization that provides mental health and addiction services to music industry members and their dependent families. SIMS is vital to the health of the music sector of the creative industry in Central Texas, who have been hit particularly hard by pandemic-related joblessness and under-employment.
SIMS’ Executive Director, Patricia Dolan commented, “SIMS Foundation Is honored to partner with DA Garza and the Red River Cultural District on his Safer Together initiative focused on the issue of substance use disorder. SIMS has worked with those in our music community who struggle with substances for over 25 years and as a result has seen the negative impact substance use issues cause. We’re honored to be part of this initiative to help educate our community and help ensure those in our music community have a safe pace to turn when struggling with substances.”
According to a press release The Cosmic Clash received by email this morning, “The concert series will feature nine different music performances from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. across three locally owned-and-operated music venues including Mohawk (Indoor), The Green Jay, and Empire (Garage). Travis County DA Jose Garza will also be in attendance at the festivities and will offer opening remarks at Mohawk before the first show begins.”
We’re eagerly awaiting Garza and the RRCD’s lineup announcement next week. Until then, mark your calendars for December 4.
