This November, travelers coming through the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will be greeted with more than just live music and local flavors - they’ll have an opportunity to be part of a citywide campaign to keep Austin’s legendary musicians housed, healthy, and heard.

Austin HOMEcoming, a month-long celebration of Austin’s music legacy and the people who shaped it, is proud to announce a partner in this year’s campaign: Delaware North, the hospitality group behind some of the most iconic food and beverage destinations at AUS.

From The Salt Lick BBQ to The Saxon Pub, Antone’s, Annies Cafe & Bar, and Hippies & Hops, every Delaware North bar in the terminal will donate a percentage of proceeds throughout November to HOME (Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers) - an Austin-based nonprofit that provides housing stability for aging, low-income musicians.

A Warm and Meaningful Welcome

"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 continued, “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.”

Coming HOME to Austin’s Music Legacy

HOME was founded in 2012 to address a growing crisis: Austin’s music legends were being priced out of the very city they helped put on the map. Today, HOME has provided rental and utility assistance, case management, and long-term housing support for over 300 aging 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.”

Through creative partnerships like the one with Delaware North, HOMEcoming bridges the gap between Austin’s visitors and its musical roots. When travelers order a beer at Hippies & Hops or grab a brisket sandwich at The Salt Lick BBQ, they’re contributing to real, tangible support for the people who define Austin’s sound and soul.

The partnership is especially meaningful to Nancy Coplin, Chair of HOME’s Board of Directors - and the person who, quite literally, brought music to the airport.

“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, who also served as Austin’s first Chair of the Music Commission, sees this partnership as a full-circle moment. “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.”

Why Austin Feels Like HOME

There’s a reason Austin doesn’t just attract tourists - it creates lifelong fans. People come here for the music, and they come back because of the community behind it.

“Austin is a place where you can land, walk off a plane, and hear someone playing a steel guitar within five minutes,” said Cofer. “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.”

How You Can Participate

During November, every drink or meal you purchase at a Delaware North bar or restaurant at AUS helps fund HOME’s critical services for aging musicians. Look for signage at:

• The Saxon Pub
• The Salt Lick BBQ
• Annies Cafe & Bar
• Antone’s
• Hippies & Hops

So, whether you’re flying in or out of Austin, raise a glass for the legends who helped build the Live Music Capital of the World - and help make sure they always have a place to call home.

Learn More

To explore the full Austin HOMEcoming campaign, including event listings, featured artists, and ways to donate directly, visit www.homeaustin.org/homecoming