One of Austin's leading music nonprofits, the Sims Foundation, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. Marking the occasion, the organization will host a one-night-only gala called Music For The Mind on Wednesday, September 10, at Assembly Hall (1121 E. 7th St.).
The foundation is supporting its mission to provide mental health and substance use recovery support to local musicians, music industry professionals, and the family members who depend on them. It's named after Sims Ellison, the bassist for Pariah, a popular Austin band in the early 90s. As the foundation puts it, Ellison lost his battle with depression in 1995, and the Sims Foundation now exists to destigmatize issues with mental health and provide life-saving intervention.
The sprawling guest list for Music For The Mind features 200 "musicians, industry leaders, creatives, and philanthropists," according to a press release. Of course, there will be an "intimate live music performance," but the performer has not yet been announced.
The Sims Foundation is known for maintaining positive relationships with the locals who really move the industry forward: recent testimonials and performances at live events have come from Keri Cinquina of Parker Woodland, Jon Muq, and Nakia. The organization also just held an anniversary show featuring Heartless Bastards, Fastball, The Point, Thebrosfresh, and more.
In addition to the presence of many industry players, the gala will include a three-course dinner, an open bar, and a silent auction. Early bird tickets are available for $200 until July 4, when the price raises to $250.
“This night is for the people who make Austin’s culture what it is — the artists, the behind-the-scenes teams, and the community that supports them,” said Sims Foundation CEO Derrick Lesnau in the release. “Music For The Mind is not only a celebration of our 30th year — it’s a call to keep showing up for the music community that shows up for all of us.”
