In last week’s presidential debate, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s misguided proclamation that he would give Big Bird the axe — because (somehow) the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) was responsible for the country’s financial woes — drew the ire of many Americans, sparked the #occcupysesamestreet movement and set the internet ablaze. To quote Romney:
“I like PBS. I love Big Bird, but I am not going to keep spending money on things to borrow money from China to pay for.”
While Mitt has yet to present any evidence that communist China funds America’s public television channel, there is ample evidence to show that PBS, Sesame Street and the numerous other shows that air on the station are (and have been) responsible for employing thousands of Americans.
Speaking of those other shows, one of our favorites, Austin City Limits — arguably the best program featuring live music bar none any network — kicked off its 38th season this past Saturday (October 6) with a live concert from music industry iconoclasts — and arguably, the most significant band of last 20 years — Radiohead (stream below). Other acts slated to perform this season include: Bon Iver, Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples, the Shins and Dr. Dog, and the Civil Wars and the Punch Brothers.
Watch Radiohead on PBS. See more from Austin City Limits.
Though, surely an economic impact analysis focusing on the show’s impact on the state of Texas, the city of Austin and its music industry since Austin City Limits’ initial episode aired in 1976 would counteract the Republican candidate’s outlandish allegations, the Texas capitol, which has come to be know as the “Live Music Capitol of the World,” has something bigger on its plate at the moment: the 11th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL).
One of the biggest music festival in the country, ACL brings an estimated 70,000 music fans to Austin’s Zilker Park each of its three days. This year’s fest will take place next weekend (October 12-14) and feature more than 130 bands in addition to headliners the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young and Crazy Horse and the Black Keys. While tickets are sold-out, if you’re up for the venture, the adage where there’s a will, there’s a way should carry you through. If you’re already planning on making the trek to Austin, keep an eye out for New Orleans bands the Royal Teeth and the Soul Rebels Brass Band (see videos below). And if you miss ’em there, you can catch each in City Park at next month’s Voodoo Music Experience.
The Soul Rebels Brass Band will play Austin City Limit’s Zilker Stage on Friday, October 12 at 6:00 p.m.
