AUSTIN, Texas — Helping musicians 55 and up with their living costs – that was the purpose behind the Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers, or HOME, garage sale this weekend.
American blues artist Marcia Ball and others hosted the sixth-annual event at 1901 Parkside Ln. in South Austin. Ball owns the unfurnished home.
Donated items included a collapsible, folding bass and other musical instruments. There were also clothes, shoes, rugs, kitchen items, paintings and other household items.
Ball said the event started six years ago to help Texas Blues artist Lavelle White.
"Lavelle White is 90 years old and she was back to town with nothing, and her manager, Bobby, called me and Susan Antone and Sarah Brown and people who have worked with Lavelle and said, 'I don't know what we can do,' and I said that's how we formed HOME," explained Ball.
The point of HOME is to help musicians 55 years and older with their living expenses.
"Omar and the Howlers is one of our clients. He's got a muscular disease. He can't play anymore. You just hit that wall and there's no safety net and we're helping about a dozen people," said Ball.
Ball also said work opportunities for many in the older age range decline and many don't have the chance to save money.
All of the proceeds go to HOME. Anything not sold will be donated to nonprofits like Dress for Success, Austin Pets Alive! and Goodwill. Jackson of all Trades has donated its services to haul off all the items.
If you'd like to donate, you can visit the HOME website.
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