Travelers passing through the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in November will be able to support local musicians through a new partnership. The airport is participating in the Austin HOMEcoming campaign, a month-long initiative focused on supporting aging and low-income musicians in the city.
Delaware North, the hospitality company that operates several food and beverage venues at AUS—including The Salt Lick BBQ, The Saxon Pub, Antone’s, Annies Cafe & Bar, and Hippies & Hops—will donate a portion of its November proceeds from all terminal bars to HOME (Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers). HOME is an Austin-based nonprofit that helps provide housing stability for older musicians with limited incomes.
“We know that for many people, the first taste of Austin is right here at the airport,” said Terry Mahlum, Regional Director of Operations for Delaware North at AUS. “Our venues serve tens of thousands of travelers every week, and we’re proud to use that platform to give back to the very musicians who built Austin’s global music reputation.”
Mahlum added: “Corporate social responsibility isn’t a buzzword for us – it’s a commitment to reflect the community we serve. HOME’s work ensures that the musicians who made Austin what it is today can continue living with dignity in the city they helped create. It’s an honor to support that mission.”
HOME was established in 2012 as rising living costs threatened longtime musicians’ ability to remain in Austin. Since then, HOME has provided rental assistance, utility payments, case management services, and long-term housing help for more than 300 senior musicians.
“Our musicians are the soul of this city,” said Hanna Cofer, Executive Director of HOME. “They’re not just performers – they’re storytellers, mentors, and cultural stewards. The HOMEcoming campaign is about honoring them while they’re still with us – and reminding all of us that the music doesn’t happen without housing.”
Nancy Coplin chairs HOME’s board and was instrumental in bringing live music performances to AUS starting in 1999. She recalled: “When we started the live music program at AUS back in 1999, we had just two shows a week,” Coplin said. “But Terry’s vision was always to bring more and more music to travelers, and we built it up to 23 shows every single week. Musicians loved playing here, and travelers loved discovering new artists. Some of the musicians who played those early AUS gigs are now HOME clients, so seeing Delaware North supporting them through HOMEcoming feels full circle. It’s powerful proof of how music and hospitality can work hand in hand.”
Coplin also noted: “Some of the musicians who played those early AUS gigs are now HOME clients,” she said. “To see Delaware North supporting them through HOMEcoming – it’s powerful. It shows how music and hospitality can work hand in hand.”
Cofer highlighted why many visitors become attached to Austin beyond its attractions: “Austin is a place where you can land, walk off a plane, and hear someone playing a steel guitar within five minutes,” she said. “It’s a place that wears its creative soul on its sleeve. That soul is only possible because of the artists who shaped it – and it’s up to us to take care of them.”
Throughout November at AUS bars or restaurants operated by Delaware North—including well-known local spots—customers will be helping fund services such as rental aid for aging local performers when they make purchases.
More information about event listings or donations related to Austin HOMEcoming can be found on www.homeaustin.org/homecoming.
