The day the music died
San Antonio music scene champion knocked out due to economic impact of COVID-19
One of the biggest champions of Texas' independent music scene has been knocked out. Margin Walker Presents, the largest independent promotion company in the Lone Star State, has announced it is closing at the end of this week due to the economic impact of COVID-19.
"For most of us in 'the biz,' March marked the beginning of the close of live entertainment, which continues now, and will continue for a long time to come," the Austin-based company said in a statement. "The uncertainty and lack of resources have hammered down on those working in this world from venues to artists to festivals, promoters, and beyond.
"Even with strategic changes in the business, painful staff cuts, and taking loans and grants, sadly, we at Margin Walker Presents have not been immune, and it breaks our hearts to announce that this wild ride has come to an end, and we are closing the business, as of this week."
Over the past four years, the company booked some of the most high-profile shows in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. During its relatively brief tenure, the team produced more than 3,500 shows across the state and launched a Latinx music festival, ¡Eso Es!
Margin Walker Presents launched in 2016, and is owned by Graham Williams. Williams began his career as a bouncer before eventually cofounding the iconic Fun Fun Fun Festival in 2006 as part of Transmission Events. After Transmission was purchased in 2016 by Stratus Properties, Williams left to begin Margin Walker Presents, bringing a lot of his staff along, too.
For those who have purchased tickets to an upcoming Margin Walker Presents show through the company, please contact Eventbrite for a refund. For those who purchased directly from the venue, a list that includes Paper Tiger in San Antonio, and Mohawk and Barracuda in Austin, contact the venue directly.
As for the Margin Walker team, they're down — but don't count them out.
"Stay happy, healthy, and keep your heads held high. At the end of the day, this is one small piece of the puzzle of this music community," said the company. "We’ll see you on the dance floor again soon."
