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.
Jon Dee Graham, guitarist in the Skunks and longtime Austin songwriter, has undergone a series of complicated spinal surgeries in recent months. The Raul’s regular has been a staple in Texas’ roots music scene since the Seventies and, in recent years, has turned his talents to simple bear cartoons, illustrating a book and mug collection, in addition to music. His family asks for prayers and financial support in the form of art purchases as Graham recovers and hopes to be back at the Continental Club for Christmas.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is now open for enrollment through Dec. 15. HAAM membership is free for performers, industry professionals, and their dependents to join year-round, but all members are asked to renew their membership during the annual renewal window, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15. Certain programs, like Premium Assistance, may only be available during the open enrollment period. Interested parties must complete the HAAM application to confirm eligibility and enroll in coverage through the healthcare.gov Marketplace, if they haven’t already, before requesting Premium Assistance. Visit HAAM’s website for more information.
Jo’s, the beloved local coffee chain known across town by its red dot and the much-photographed “i love you so much” mural at its South Congress location, opened a new spot in West Campus on Nov. 7. The 23rd and Rio Grande outpost features a signature drink, a whipped cream-topped concoction of maple, peach, and cinnamon fittingly dubbed the Longhorn Latte, a nod to their central UT locale.
This article appears in November 21 • 2025.
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