By Leigh Crandall
Hotels Expert, about.com
"My job involves every way in which a guest experiences music when they walk through our doors," explains Lauren Bucherie, the Director of Music and Social Programming at the new Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, Texas. Bucherie made her mark in Austin's music scene starting in 2009 as the founder of event and production company The Sessions, which curated music-driven content for brands that were based in Austin.
Last year, she came on board full time with the
Van Zandt, which she is hoping to make into a premier live music venue
in a city that's known for its concerts.
The hotel's restaurant and performance space Geraldine's
will offer live music 365 days a year. "During the week there will be a
lot of singer/songwriters, and on weekends performances will be bolder,
with blues and rock bands" says Bucherie.
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"And, unlike many other venues, concerts are free
to attend." Geraldine's also features an intimate back room called the
Writers Lounge, where whiskey is served in decanters and windows
overlook Lady Bird Lake. "It's reserved for special solo shows, and we
expect to have some amazing guest performances here down the line."
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Geraldine's, the hotel features music throughout its public spaces. "In
the lobby we play a mix of music by well-known groups like Fleetwood
Mac, Alabama Shakes, and Band of Horses, as well as up-and-comers," says
Bucherie. Guest rooms feature wireless jam boxes, and the hotel has
been working on creating guest experiences for music fans, like tours of
Arlon Studios where Willie Nelson, Patti Griffin, and Gary Clark Junior
have recorded.
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The Van Zandt even pipes music into the pool.
Bucherie won't reveal exactly what she's picked to play beneath the
water, but guests can expect music that feels "ethereal and spacey."
When
she's not at the hotel, Bucherie is out in Austin listening to music.
"There’s such a supportive community in this city, a camaraderie amongst
artists and musicians," she says.
Favorite venues include the Elephant Room on
Congress for jazz, the Parish because of its amazing sound, and Saxon
Pub if she's in the mood for a classic Texas joint and a whiskey drink.
As for bands Bucherie's most excited to book, "I love Emily Wolf, an
amazing singer/songwriter who also plays the guitar like Jack White. And
also my favorite band Black Pistol Fire. They get really rowdy and are
lots of fun."
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