After more than 30 years supporting the emotional well-being of the music community, the SIMS Foundation is closing out 2026 with two initiatives to sustain its work: Music for the Mind and the Restore the Rhythm campaign. CEO Derrick Lesnau joined We Are Austin host Trevor Scott to share how Central Texans can help.
CEO Derrick Lesnau joined We Are Austin host Trevor Scott to share how Central Texans can help.
Watch the full conversation above to hear about the initiatives and ways to get involved.Supporting the people behind Austin’s music
The SIMS Foundation provides mental health and recovery resources for music industry professionals and their dependent family members.
“SIMS Foundation provides mental health resources and recovery resources for music industry professionals and their dependent family members,” Lesnau said.
The organization began in 1995 after Austin musician Sims Ellison died following a battle with depression. Lesnau said the community rallied to create support for people in the music industry. He added that he often hears people say, “SIMS saved my life.”
Trevor noted the importance of supporting those who help make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. “We ask so much of our music community,” he said.
Lesnau added, “At that time there really wasn’t any support structure for this community, and the amazing organizations that have come since then to now have an army of nonprofits that support this community is really special. And so SIMS Foundation being part of that is just, it’s a real humbling experience to listen to everybody’s stories when they come to me, and they tell me, SIMS saved my life. I hear that phrase so many times.”
SIMS Foundation closes 2026 with Music for the Mind and Restore the Rhythm. Photo Courtesy Sam Ehrnstein Photo
Music for the Mind returns Nov. 18
The SIMS Foundation’s annual Music for the Mind gala is set for Nov. 18 at Assembly Hall. Lesnau said fewer than a dozen tickets remained when he joined the show.
Guests can expect a Texas-chic evening with food, drinks, live music, and a silent auction. Musical highlights include Paige Pleasants, Merlot and Gina Chavez, and special guest speaker Brené Brown.
The evening will also recognize local community members. The Sims Ellison Impact Award will go to Amy Corbin of C3 Presents. The Champion of Care Award, being presented for the first time this year, will go to Geronimo Rodriguez for his mental health advocacy.
“In nonprofit work, if there’s no money, there’s no mission,” Lesnau said, emphasizing the role fundraising plays in supporting the foundation’s work.
SIMS Foundation closes 2026 with Music for the Mind and Restore the Rhythm. Photo Courtesy Sam Ehrnstein Photo
Restore the Rhythm through year-end
The Restore the Rhythm campaign begins Nov. 17 and continues through the end of the year. Lesnau said the campaign will remind the community that the foundation continues to need support after providing resources throughout the year.
“Our Restore the Rhythm campaign is our effort at the end of the year to just remind folks that, over the first 11 months of the year, we are really spending a lot of money and resources in putting musicians and industry professionals in touch with their mental health providers and resources. And so our Restore the Rhythm campaign at the end of the year just reminds the community that, hey, we still need their support.”
A concert benefiting the effort is planned for Dec. 3 at Antone’s. People can also support the foundation by volunteering or donating.
SIMS Foundation closes 2026 with Music for the Mind and Restore the Rhythm
Visit SIMSFoundation.org for event information and ways to get involved.