Welcome to the first interview of our Austin x Austin series, where we will interview Austinites about the city we all love.
Meet Kelly Mosser; Kelly was a founding team member who opened Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in 2011 and currently serves as Director of Brand Partnerships and Premium Seating for the venue.
What brought you to Austin?
The first time I moved to Austin was to attend the University of Texas and become a Longhorn. The second time was for my dream job - opening and working for ACL Live at The Moody Theater, where I've been for eleven years!
What is your favorite thing about Austin?
The people. There are lots of really kind, inspiring, fun, and intelligent people in this town.
How does your [career/focus] affect your life in the city?
My passion for live music is what drove me to the career I have today. So living in the "Live Music Capital of the World" makes for quite the playground. I'm certain to keep my pulse on what's happening in the music and events industries in town, to see what new venues or event concepts are popping up!
What about the city inspires you?
I like the Willie Nelson quote: “There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.” It's hard to put a finger on a specific aspect but there's something about living in this community that just feels good.
What neighborhood do you live in?
The '04! Travis Heights
What are your favorite things about your neighborhood?
The location is hard to beat. Walkable to so many great spots like C-boys Heart & Soul, Curra's, South Congress Hotel, Elizabeth Street Cafe, Continental Club, etc.
You're having dinner at your favorite restaurant in Austin. Where do you go and what do you order?
Cacio e Pepe at Emmer & Rye is beyond delicious, but the Relleno al Nogal at Polvo's is a classic.
Where do you fall on the "Bring back the Armadillo/Don't Dallas My Austin —— Hooray for the development” spectrum tell me more about that.
Austin's growth is inevitable, so we should embrace it. Instead of complaining, Austinites should be more proactive in collaborating on solutions to the challenges that arise from the development and evolution of the city. But at the same time — let's not forget the history of why so many people flock here. If we can hold onto the true meaning behind "Keep Austin Weird', we won't get lost.
Your best friend is moving to town. What's the best piece of advice to give them?
Come to terms with the fact that "yeah, it gets HOT here". Find a pool, rent a boat on Lake Austin or Lake Travis, frequent Barton Springs or the Greenbelt, paddleboard or kayak on Town Lake. Embrace the summer and take advantage of all the outdoor experiences the Austin area has to offer.
How has your industry changed in the last five years?
Obviously, the pandemic has made a huge impact on how large gatherings are produced, and how we keep fans, bands, and staff safe. But aside from COVID-19, the evolution of technology in terms of ticketing, customer communication, and fan interaction has progressed. The way we consume entertainment has really evolved as well and challenged the live music industry to adapt to a new type of consumer.
Best Of Austin
Best Patio
Perla's
Best Place to Watch Ut Sports
(the OG) Lavaca Street Bar
Best Margarita
La Condesa
Best Place to Watch the Sunset
The pool deck at Hotel Van Zandt
Best Bar
Garage
Best Coffee
I don't do coffee, but Soup Peddler makes a mean smoothie.
Best Hike/bike Trail
Southern Walnut Creek Trail - discovered this early on in the pandemic and couldn't get enough.
Best Short Cut
Mary Street FTW!
Best Breakfast that Isn’t a Taco
Keeping it old school. Magnolia Cafe.
Best Photo Opp
From a boat on Lake Austin with Pennybacker Bridge
Best Local Business
FloatOn Boat Rentals - who needs to keep up with owning a boat when you can just holler at these guys!
Best Daytime Hang
Bouncing around South Congress
Best Music Venue
ACL Live at The Moody Theater (duh!)
Best City Event
ACL Festival
Kelly is most passionate about bringing people together and creating unique experiences. He was a part of the team that created the ROTHBURY Music Festival (now evolved into Electric Forest), working with brands like Toyota, Anheuser-Busch, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Merrell on their festival partnerships and sponsorship activations. He had the honor of collaborating with Jack Daniels in building the "Jack & Jim" Gallery featuring a collection of iconic photographer Jim Marshall's work, which lives at ACL Live. Kelly was a founding team member who opened Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in 2011 and currently serves as Director of Brand Partnerships and Premium Seating for the venue.
Thanks to Kelly for all of his insight. To learn more about Kelly or ACL Live At The Moody head over to their website linked below.
