Music & Community are our passions
Moondance Music Festival raises awareness and funds for the SIMS Foundation, an Austin, Texas nonprofit that provides mental health care and substance use recovery services to musicians, music industry professionals, and their families.
Every year, local promoters Moondance Presents and A&J Presents craft an unforgettable live experience that highlights the diverse sounds of Austin, partners with local artisans and vendors, and makes a difference in our community.
OUR STORY
More than seven out of ten independent musicians say they experience symptoms of mental illness in relation to their music creation, and Texas is ranked the worst state in the country for access to mental health care. We were inspired to create Moondance Music Festival from the belief that high-quality mental health care is one of the most impactful ways to lift up our creative community (next to music, of course). This fall, immerse yourself in music, connect with your community, and dance under the moonlit skies—all while making a difference, one beat at a time.
THE 2024 Moondance team
Paris Lailson
Founder & CEO, Head of Marketing
Paris is an Austin born and raised promoter and performer. Her dedication to music creation and the Austin music lanscape led her to found Moondance Presents & Moondance Music Festival. She has a BA in Music Business from Berklee College of Music and is an optimist who dreams big.
Annie Bowers
COO & CFO
Annie is the A in A&J Presents. She is a local talent buyer, promoter, and artist booking consultant. She has a passion for supporting up-and-coming muscians and has an amazing eye for detail. Annie has a BA in Music Theory & Composition, a BA in Philosophy, and a BA in French Studies from the University of the South.
Jim Briggs
Production Coodinator
Jim is the J in A&J Presents. He is a local talent buyer, promoter, and artist booking consultant. Jim has a BA in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music. He is a tried and true guitar player that represents the best of Austin musicians, and hosts The Hideaway Jam.
Kevin Parmley
Sponsorship Coordinator
Kevin is a drummer and account manager who plays with several bands in the Austin area. He has a BA in Music with a minor in Music Business Administration from Washington University. Kevin is a whiz at sales and communication, and has a passion for supporting his fellow Austin musicians.
Sahasra Addala
Marketing Coordinator
Sahasra Addala will be graduating from Round Rock High School this fall. She enjoys connecting with the community around her in order to produce creative content, which inspired her to participate in Marketing. She similarly has a long-standing passion for helping the community around her through her active leadership positions in clubs such as ZOI ORA FILOS, an all girls community service organization, and the Women Empowerment in Business club at her school.