ACL Live: An Austin Institution
This post was written by our friends at Realty Austin, an Austin real estate agency.
Editor’s note: Here is a guest blog from Realty Austin. Since the state capitol is one of our favorite places to visit, we like to know about items of interest there. I’ve never visited Austin City Limits, but know several folks who have performed there. It’s about time for a visit soon to see their new digs, so maybe we’ll see you there…
Of the many things Austin, Texas is known for; live music is no doubt at the top of the list. Credited for bringing the 
world’s most stellar musicians to Texas for 37 years, PBS program Austin City Limits (ACL) has played an essential role in making Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Now in its 37th season, the KLRU-produced ACL program has taped and broadcast hundreds of live musical performances and inspired a widely known annual outdoor music festival of the same name.
ACL is best known for inviting musicians to play live, intimate shows before a small studio audience. Performances are taped and broadcast to millions of PBS viewers and more recently, international online viewers. Initially created to celebrate Texas music, the show has grown to feature a wonderfully wide range of music styles by national and international musicians. ACL’s rich and vibrant history has earned it numerous awards including a Presidential National Medal of Arts award, designation as an official Rock & Roll landmark, and title as the longest running show in American television history.
From 1976 through its 2010 season, the show was filmed at KLRU television’s Studio 6A, located on the University of Texas’ Communication Building. Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, Reba McEntire Johnnie Cash, and Ray Charles are just a few of the many amazing musicians who have graced the stage of the original ACL Theater.
In early 2011, ACL moved to a swanky new downtown studio alongside 2nd Street District’s premium downtown condos, hotels, and shops. Located inside The W Austin Hotel and Residences in downtown’s Second Street District, the new home of ACL Live features state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, 3 seating levels and premium seats, and has a seating capacity of 2,700.
Moody Theater will host nearly 120 events per year in addition to ACL tapings. Since opening in February 2011, the theatre has hosted the legendary Willie Nelson, The Steve Miller Band, Devo, Steve Martin, and President Barack Obama. Upcoming ACL tapings include The Decemberists, Jeff Bridges, The Arcade Fire, and Randy Newman.
Whether you’re new to Austin, or a long-time resident ACL Live at Moody Theater is a must-do. Attend an ACL taping at the world-class Moody Theater, and you’ll understand exactly why Austin is the best place in the world for experiencing live music.
Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater is located at 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin, TX, 78701. Click here for a map to the Moody Theater and for information on parking and seating.
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Great article!! Did you know that T Gozney Band played on KLRU along with Marsha Ball and Rusty Wier for the pilot of ACL…way back in the day?