BMI and C3 Presents have confirmed their long-running collaboration will continue through 2028, ensuring BMI remains the only performing rights organization with stages at both the Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza.
For over two decades, the BMI Stage has become a proving ground for rising talent, giving new voices a chance to break through to global audiences. Its debut at Lollapalooza in 2006 quickly established it as a launchpad, showcasing artists who would later headline arenas. Lady Gaga (‘07), Chance The Rapper (‘13), Young Thug (‘15), Halsey (‘15), Cage the Elephant (‘07), Ke$ha (‘09), Bebe Rexha (‘11), Kidd Kenn (‘23), and Girl Tones (’25) all played the stage before becoming household names.
At Austin City Limits, the BMI Stage has been a mainstay for 22 years. It’s where Miranda Lambert performed in 2003, Luke Combs in 2016, Maren Morris also in 2016, Gary Clark, Jr. in 2011, and Alessia Cara in 2015. Other memorable appearances include Shakey Graves (‘13), Ruston Kelly (‘18), Marcus King (‘15), Jon Pardi (‘11, ‘14), Billy Strings (‘19), City and Colour (‘08), and more recently The Droptines (‘24).
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The partnership continues because both organizations view the stage as a cornerstone for music discovery. Mason Hunter, BMI’s AVP of Creative in Nashville, highlighted how it connects affiliates with new audiences, while Charlie Walker, President of C3 Presents, credited it with shaping the character of the festivals by spotlighting artists early in their careers.
That legacy continues this weekend as the BMI Stage returns to Zilker Park for the 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival. Across two weekends, Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 10–12, BMI will host 22 acts including Aaron Page, Alex Amen, Ally Salort, Chuwi, Clover County, Dizzy Fae, Eric Slick, GoldFord, INOHA, Judy Blank, LVVRS, Maggie Antone, Moody Joody, Nicky Youre, S.L. Houser, Skrilla, South Arcade, Southall, Supertaste, The Bends, Tyler Ballgame, and Zinadelphia.
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