Live music preview: MeadowFest Saturday at Far Out Lounge to benefit SIMS Foundation
This Saturday, August 23 the punk to funk, MeadowFest benefiting music mental health organization, the SIMS Foundation and LBGTQA+ NPO Out Youth takes place at Far Out Lounge and Stage in South Austin. The event is the brainchild of Greg Goodman, the father of Meadow Goodman, a 15-year old drummer and force of nature who lost her battle with mental illness two years ago. Greg created the Meadow E Goodman Foundation so he could continue the work of suicide prevention in our youth communities year-round. The festival bill is a who’s who of Austin music led by funk fusion acts, Golden Dawn Arkestra and Brownout. The groups are comprised of some of Austin’s best musicians.
Other acts appearing at Meadowfest include Night Drive, Mobley, Cha’ keeta B and San Antonio punk powerhouse, Girl in a Coma. The mini-fest runs from 3. p.m. to midnight at the best independent outdoor venue in town, Far Out Lounge. All this adds up to guaranteed fun for attendees who will be supporting the Austin music community via SIMS by purchasing tickets for the show. There are both general admission and VIP options to choose from.
MeadowFest was founded in memory of Meadow Goodman, a 15-year-old Anderson High School student and aspiring musician who lost her battle with mental illness on August 12, 2023. The daughter of local musician Greg Goodman, Meadow was known for her drumming skills, empathy for people and animals, and her sense of justice. Her family’s efforts to transform loss into purpose have led to the creation of MeadowFest and the Meadow E. Goodman Foundation for Mental Health Awareness, dedicated to preventing suicide among young people.
“There’s a stigma that is tied to suicide,” explains Greg Goodman. “We feel like in order to get help and attention to this issue, it needs to be discussed, and it can’t be tucked away. And I can think of no better way to celebrate the life of my daughter than a day filled with music and fun with those we love.”
The variety of musical genres represented on the bill means there’s something for every type of fan; punk, funk, Hip Hop, indie rock, electronic dance it’s all on the agenda on Saturday. Brownout might be the most talented Latin funk band in the country. That’s not hyperbole, that’s objective fact with members like drummer and percussionist John Spiece, guitarists and producers Adrian Quesada and Beto Martinez and veteran bassist Greg Gonzalez among others. All of those folks have Grammys at home by the way.
This is an all-star lineup of players. What’s more several of those members also perform with Golden Dawn Arkestra which might be difficult to tell as that group wears elaborate costumes in the vein of the Sun Ra Arkestra. More coming on GDA later this week at The Cosmic Clash. Both acts will have fans on their feet dancing.
Being huge fans of girl-powered rock, Girl in a Coma is a Cosmic Clash staff favorite. The San Antonio punks led by sisters Phanie (drums) and Nina Diaz (guitar, vocals) have been leaders of their local scene since first making waves in 2008. The group broke up in 2018 after a long hiatus which began with Nina Diaz stepping away from the band to focus on solo material, reuniting last year. Named for a Smiths song, the band has toured with Morrisey among other acts.
Other performers on the bill have been featured at The Cosmic Clash including ground-breaking solo act, Mobley and rising Hip Hop artist, Cha’ Keeta B. Both acts deliver stirring live performances. Same goes for Night Drive who have been in the local scene for some time. The talent on this bill along with the wide scope of performers mean this show is a cannot miss for fans. The family-friendly Far Out Lounge means everyone is welcome. They’ll even allow your dog if it’s leashed. If you go, consider arriving early or taking a ride share as parking is limited.
All proceeds from MeadowFest will go directly to SIMS Foundation and Out Youth — two Austin-based nonprofits that deliver crucial mental health and support services to musicians, youth, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Get tickets here.
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