Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Bristol.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sahara Lounge opened in 2011. Prior to that, for 33 years, TC’s Lounge served the East Austin community. The 14 years we have been open has been quite a journey. We present a broad array of live bands, performing musical styles from Afrobeat to Punk as well as some DJ dance parties. We are committed to provide a safe and friendly environment that welcomes a diverse crowd.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Probably the biggest bump in the road was the pandemic. We still carry debt from those days, however we are super grateful for the national, state and local grants that supported us. We count on bar sales to cover our expenses, as all the door cover charge income goes to the performers and production costs. With the recent economic uncertainty things have slowed down, but expenses of course have not!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Managing Sahara Lounge, of course, is a 7 day a week job. In addition, I play bass guitar and perform with two of Sahara’s afrobeat bands – Zoumountchi and Sahara Allstars on Saturdays for Africa Night. It is without question the highlight of my week!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I grew up in Houston and my family had a motorcycle shop. It was a great experience as I was around all kinds of people from an early age. My sister and I worked the parts counter and helped in the office. As an adult I became an avid student of the work of spiritual teacher Rudolf Steiner and was one of the founders of the Austin Waldorf School. I also helped found a program called “Anthroposophical Prison Outreach” that provides individuals serving time in prison with study material on meditation and self development as well as a lending library of works by Rudolf Steiner and related authors. At home I have an organic vegetable garden year round and use the Bio-Dynamic preparations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saharalounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saharaloungeatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaharaLoungeATX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SaharaLoungeAustinTX
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sahara-lounge-austin
- Other: https://saharaallstars.com/
Image Credits
David Brendan Hall, Eileen Bristol
