When visiting Austin, what is a "can’t miss"? We asked our favorite, Austin-resident CHEST members – and they overwhelmingly replied that you must hear some live music. In fact, Austin has been deemed the Live Music Capital of the World and is famous for it’s annual music festival, South by Southwest. So keep an evening free or add on some extra time before or after CHEST 2014, and make sure to take in a concert at one of Austin’s many music venues.
One of Austin’s most famous concert venues is Austin City Limits (ACL). This theater has a 2,750-person capacity and hosts about 100 concerts a year. The theater has three levels with levels 2 and 3 featuring legendary music photography by Scott Newton and Jim Marshall. There is not a bad seat in the house; every seat is within 75 feet of the stage.
©dhorande/Thinkstockphoto
Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife and live music venues. Come for the education, and don’t miss a beat.
ACL is also the home for the taping of a PBS series, Austin City Limits, which is the longest running music series in American TV history. The pilot episode featured Willie Nelson in 1974. Since then, 2nd street – the road where the theater is located – was renamed Willie Nelson Blvd, and a statue of Willie Nelson stands outside the venue.
There are many other places to listen to live music in Austin. Here are a few more to check out:
• Antone’s Night Club – This club is known as home of the blues in Austin. It opened in 1975 and has hosted great artists including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
• The Broken Spoke – This dance hall is an authentic honky-tonk. Willie Nelson, George Straight, and Dolly Parton have performed here. This venue also includes a "memorabilia room" that is filled with photos, hats, and other country-music treasures.
• Stubb’s BBQ – This famous BBQ joint hosts regional and national fan-favorites like Weezer, Los Lonely Boys, and Adele. Plus, it’s known for its gospel brunch on Sundays, which includes a soulful performance, Southern-style buffet, and a make-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar.
• Threadgill’s – This restaurant serves classic southern dishes and is adorned with memorabilia from it’s historic past. A piano that hangs from the ceiling was played by artists as diverse as Jerry Lee Lewis to Captain Beefheart.
Austin’s music scene is sure to get your toes tapping, and CHEST 2014 will move you with the latest clinical information in chest medicine. Join us October 25 - 30 for CHEST 2014, and you won’t miss a beat with cutting-edge sessions and simulation training designed to update you on the latest patient-care strategies. You will be part of an international community of innovative problem-solvers. Learn more and register today at chestmeeting.chestnet.org.