Philosopher and independent presidential candidate Cornel West rolled into Austin Tuesday to campaign for a unique voting bloc’s support: working musicians.
As his third-party campaign remains a long shot, West’s Austin appearance felt more like an opportunity for emotional connection than a presentation of practical answers. His abstract musings on artists providing tenderness in an era of commodification inspired the kind of affirmative mumbles – “that’s right,” “mmhmm” – that you’d hear in a Black church sermon. As his fellow panelists joined him on stage, he stood up and hugged them one by one.
Carvalho, shaking his head, spoke for independent venues when he shot back, “I hope there is not ever another C3, if possible.” The commissioner went on to critique the Live Music Fund, arguing that the city’s grant program provides inadequate funding and creates a “very divisive atmosphere” within the local music scene.