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For the past eleven years, 107.1 KGSR Radio has sold the popular “KGSR Broadcasts” CD to legions of eager music lovers. While fans of this annual gem may not know it, their purchase means peace of mind for Austin’s musicians. The reason is that proceeds benefit the SIMS Foundation, an organization providing individualized mental health and addiction recovery services for Austin’s musicians and their loved ones since 1995.

KGSR could have easily sold this annual compilation (customarily the #1 seller in the Austin-area) for their own profit, scattered the proceeds among many deserving causes, or even tooted their own horn a bit more in the process. However, much like their humble and spotlight-adverse leader, Jody Denberg, the station has remained devoted (through recessions and buy-outs) to the SIMS Foundation. In doing so, KGSR has secured a place in the hearts and minds of Austin’s musicians.

While writing and performing music in Austin may seem like the good life, taking that path comes with a price. Consider, for instance, that musicians work odd hours and locations—with little structure—often in addition to multiple part time jobs to pay the bills. Along with the intrigue and moments of glamour comes countless hours of practice, traveling, long hours and very low pay, along with rejection and dejection, not to mention the imbalances and addictions that affect all sorts of people. However, our local musicians often cannot afford insurance of any kind and don’t have access to affordable mental health services.) Thanks in large part to KGSR’s generosity, Austin musicians do have a place to turn.

Their annual, oversized check makes the seemingly impossible possible. KGSR’s support (totaling $1.5 million over the past 12 years) largely funds the SIMS Foundation’s essential services which include mental health counseling, addiction recovery, psychiatric evaluations and medication management, conflict resolution workshops for musicians, health and wellness programs, and resource/referral services. SIMS serves between 400 and 500 clients every year; again and again we hear, “Thank you.  You saved my life.”

On behalf of the staff, board, volunteers, service providers, and the countless clients of the SIMS Foundation, I would like to issue an oversized “thank you” KGSR and Jody Denberg for helping SIMS “save the lives” of so many talented and creative souls among us.

As you live, work and play in Austin – a city that gives you ample opportunities to enjoy the talents of musicians of all genres, ethnicities, ages, and volumes – I encourage you to take a moment to thank Mr. Denberg and the kind people at 107.1 KGSR Radio for investing in the mental health of our musical talent.

With the ongoing support of KGSR and the trust of our clients, we remain devoted to the idea that this “live music capital of the world” can be a truly nurturing home for Austin’s musicians.

Sandy Bruce
President and Clinical Director
The SIMS Foundation