On Saturday, August 24th, The Farout Lounge in South Austin hosted the widely anticipated Meadowfest. This collection of live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages was a tribute fundraiser to garner awareness for youth’s mental health and honor Meadow Goodman, who died by suicide in August of 2023. As a student at Anderson, Meadow was heavily involved in technical theater, made many friends, and dedicated themself to never judging a book by its cover. Loved by all, Meadow’s bright, welcoming, spirit was reflected in the joyous, dancing, crowd of Austinites at the event.
From Meadow’s family and friends to city locals, the event openly accepted over 1,000 guests. Many Anderson students came to show their support, bringing their school IDs for free admission. Others bought tickets online, with the proceeds (over $40k!) going to Out Youth Austin and the SIMS Foundation, two non-profit organizations dedicated to improving emotional well-being.
Before the incredible bands came on stage, Councilwoman and Chair of the Public Health Committee, Vanessa Fuentes, announced to the event guests that the City of Austin would henceforth recognize August 24th as “Meadow Goodman Mental Health Awareness Day.” Greg Goodman, Meadow’s father, praised the proclamation for playing a big role in “converting a terrible tragedy to something positive for the community in the name of mental health and suicide prevention.”
Every group that played originated locally from Austin, many of which Mr. Goodman has “been fortunate enough to perform with”, including subbing in as a bass player for Grupo Fantasma, the Grammy-winning Latin funk band. Many more musicians came to support the Goodman family, like Superfónicos, a Colombian-rooted regular in the Austin music scene. Como Las Movies took the stage with Sabrina Ellis, combining the band’s Latin pop with a new electrifying voice. Nemegata thrilled the audience with more Colombian-inspired sounds, while The Point aimed to blow them away with a fusion of hip-hop and jazz. Somebody Someone, now touring around Texas, nailed their performance as well. Members from the School of Rock also came to show off their young talent. As the festival coordinator, Greg Goodman wanted to “be sure to provide honorarium pay and amenities to the musicians that without whom, there would be no event.”
Although this festival was a bright, happy, experience, it’s important to remember that there are other folks, like Meadow, who may be silently dealing with their mental health. Check in on your friends, parents, kids, and anyone you know, because you can never be sure what someone is going through. When asked what he would want to say to those who might be scared or don’t know how to reach out, Greg stated that “there are so many resources available”, like the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988, “but beyond this, it takes a village, […] and we all must be vigilant”, stressing the importance of “keep[ing] our eyes open to those struggling so we can be there for them and get help when needed.” Remember that help is always available to those who seek it.