For years Austin has called itself the Live Music Capital of the World. It is a self-imposed title that has served the city well.
"It is an important title. It's an important reputation for the bands here, for Antone's and for the community," Antone's Manager Charles Farrero said. "It gives them a certain amount of legitimacy coming out of Austin with the reputation when they are trying to make it on the national and international scene."
The Nov. 25, 2006 edition of The New York Times doesn't give Austin credit for the entire 'World.' The newspaper called Austin the Live Music Capital of the South.
No matter the reason for the name change, it could hurt Austin, Farrero said.
"It's unfortunate, if it is a mistake. And, it's unfortunate, if they are trying to maybe pull some of the spotlight off Austin consciously," Farrero said.
The Times reporter responded by e-mail to a question about the title change.
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Live Music Capital
'The New York Times' calls Austin the 'Live Music Capital of the South.'
 
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"I don't think you've been downgraded. I think you've become a little sensitive, though!" Shaila Dewan wrote.
On Aug. 29,1991 the Austin City Council officially adopted the live music moniker because the city is home to more live music venues per capita then any other city.
The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau says those stats are still good today.
"Every once in a while Seattle will kind of whine about it and we just say, 'Prove us wrong.' And they back off. Seattle is the only city that has remotely taken us to task," Cynthia Maddox with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau said.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau wants a correction as do local clubs who rely on live music.
"You know, we'll probably see what the mayor, if he would like
for us, to send a letter on his behalf," Maddox said.
"It would be nice if they had a retraction," Farrero said.
