Jim Franklin Day is Nov. 6 thanks to an official proclamation from the city of Austin. The designation honors the visionary artist, whose contributions to local posters, murals, and album covers helped establish the aesthetic of Armadillo World Headquarters, crafting the titular nine-banded armadillo into the de facto symbol of Austin’s Seventies countercultural movement. His artwork and its lasting impact on Austin’s intertwined arts scenes have also recently been commemorated in the documentary film Armadillo Man: The Trips of Jim Franklin, which premiered at Austin Film Festival this October.
HOMEcoming campaign, a citywide fundraising effort harnessing $1 of ticket sales and proceeds from select purchases at venues across town to benefit local nonprofit HOME, continues through the end of November. Launched in 2012, HOME provides financial housing support for aging Austin musicians in need. Saxon Pub, Antone’s Nightclub, Continental Club, 3ten ACL Live, Emo’s, Stubb’s, C-Boy’s Heart and Soul, Donn’s Depot, Paramount Theatre, Hole in the Wall, and more are participating in the campaign, as are airport bars operated by Delaware North. “Austin music has always been about community, and HOMEcoming is proof of that,” writes founding board member Marcia Ball in the campaign press release. “Every venue and partner involved is helping ensure that Austin’s musicians have a safe place to live and the support they need to keep creating.”
Dick Chalmers, a beloved Red River Cultural District employee and community icon, passed away last weekend. A lifelong Austinite, Chalmers was well known in the district for his distinct style, outgoing personality, and love of music. He worked as the lead videographer and lighting director at Empire Control Room & Garage for eight years, after spending time in several other roles at the local venue. “There’s not many people who have been by my side for this whole crazy journey and Dick was really my first friend in town and his passion inspired me so much,” says Empire owner Stephen Sternschein. “Over the past 13 plus years we were privileged that he chose to bring his intellect, passion, charm, encyclopedic knowledge of films, and deep love for Red River and its denizens to Empire,” he wrote on Empire’s Instagram…