The venue that helped put the Live Music Capital Of The World on the map, according to the Austin American Statesman, Antone’s celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025! This milestone will be marked with an ambitious slate of live performances, historical exploration, new releases, and more.
About Austin Music Institution Antone’s
The first live music venue on Austin’s now-famous Sixth Street was founded by Clifford Antone in 1975. Initially opening a sandwich shop in Austin, it wasn’t long before Clifford felt called to pursue his musical passions. The club quickly became a ‘home away from home’ for a Mount Rushmore of blues musicians including: Muddy Waters, Albert King, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon and B.B. King. In addition to the music venue, Antone opened Antone’s Records as an independent home for many club regulars to release their music.
Today, it remains a vital presence in the live music scene, with its influence carried forward by a new generation of trailblazing artists like Gary Clark Jr., Kam Franklin, Jackie Venson and McKinley James.
Antone’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Activities and events throughout the year will include:
- A 50th anniversary boxed set is coming this summer in collaboration with New West Records; featuring rare live recordings from throughout the club’s history, out-of-print material from the Antone’s Records catalog, and brand-new recordings from across generations.
- Official panel at SXSW 2025 celebrating the club, its role in the Austin music scene and the milestone anniversary. This will be followed by a day party and 50th Anniversary showcase at the venue.
- This year’s Austin Blues Festival, taking place April 26 and 27, will celebrate the anniversary with a series of all-star jams with musicians essential to the club’s past, present and future.
- Antone’s heads to New York City this June for a curated day of music as part of Lincoln Center’s Summer For The City series. Expect performances from friends and all-stars on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
- The opening of a satellite location is happening at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It will feature a performance stage and historically-significant artifacts from the club.
- The club will realize Clifford’s lifelong dream by opening a permanent Blues Museum upstairs at the 5th Street location. Items are donated from Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, Willie Dixon, Susan Antone, Clifton Chenier, and many more.
- Special shows at the club throughout the month of July. This will include the official anniversary party on July 15 (the original date of the very first gig hosted at Antone’s in 1975).
- The release of an extended and updated version of the documentary “Antone’s: Home Of The Blues” and Susan Antone’s “Picture The Blues” photobook.
More details on Antone’s 50th anniversary celebration will be announced soon!
