In Memory of Esme Barrera: A Weekend of Benefit Shows + A Coming Together of the Music Community

Jan 13th & Jan 15th

Club 1808 & Frontier Bar

The city of Austin is still in shock over the events that took place on New Year’s Day. In the early morning hours of Jan 1st, Esme Barrera was attacked in her home upon returning from a show at 29th St. Ballroom, and was severely injured, which lead to her passing. The Police are still searching for the suspect, and currently believe this incident was tied to two assault cases that occurred in a close time frame, and proximity to Esme’s home (via Austinist).

What has become very clear in the following days is Esme was loved by many, and there are broken hearts all over ATX in response to the loss of her life. She was known to be a strong supporter of local music, and a staple in the scene. She was also a long-time employee at Waterloo Records, a volunteer for Girls Rock Camp, a teaching assistant with special needs children at Casis Elementary, and was in the process of getting her teaching certificate before her untimely passing (via Austin Chronicle) .

The coming together of musicians, music lovers, and establishments in remembrance of Esme has been a beautiful thing in the wake of tragedy:

A blog of photos & memories.

Waterloo Records wrote a touching note about remembering their own.

Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill blogs about her thoughts on Esme.

Melissa Bryan of Girls Rock Camp Austin shares her memories.

This Awesome logo was created by Charlie Chauvin & Affinity Tattoo & Piercing are offering it as tattoo from select artists for $50, with proceeds going to the Barrera family.

Ted Leo tweets his rememberence ( he will also have a benefit show at Beerland this month, we will keep you posted as we know more)

Ringo Deathstarr offers up their version of “Sailin’ on” for a $1 donation.

Ume offers up their track “Gleam” for a donation, you pick the price.

The love has been national as well. A New York benefit will take place at Death by Audio tomorrow. As well as one in LA. at Pehrspace on the 20th.

Here are Austin’s two benefit shows this weekend:

For Esme With Love at Club 1808

Friday, Jan. 13th 5pm-2am

2 stages from 5-2am. 5-10$+ sliding scale

Quin Galavis

fleshlights

literature

Les RAV

wino vino

cruddy

crooked bangs

schmillion

lola cola

rambler rose

gospel truth

the well

mugwump

laute leute

atomic duo

quasi trois

gospel and the wolf


GSMG +3 Rules + Frontier Bar Present: A Benefit for Esme Barrera at Frontier Bar

Sunday, Jan. 15th 3pm – 2am

$7 (all door proceeds benefit Esme’s family)

The Nouns: 12:15am

Luck Mountain: 11:30

Higher Than Why: 10:45

Money Chica: 10:00

Soul Pilots: 9:15

Little Emily Warfield: 8:30

The Scarlett Effect: 7:45

Northern Paradox: 7:00

Monarch Box: 6:15

Bloody Knives: 5:30

Eons Ago: 4:45

Mc Homeless: 4:00

Buffalo: 3:15

DJ sets by DJ Matt Rose and DJ Pnyce


If you cannot make these shows, there is a donation page set up, please donate if you can.

Esme, we never met you, but we feel so saddened over your passing, understand how very much you meant to a large community of people, and have been touched by the story of your life, RIP. Please, be safe, and lookout for each other. We are all tied at the heart by love of music.

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