Matt Meshbane Legal Defense Fund
Donation protected
A message from Stephanie Harrison:
We need help to stay in our home and keep our business.
I'm Stephanie, Matt's girlfriend and partner in life. Most of you haven't met me. I haven't met most of you. Still, if you are one of the 5000 or so people who are friends with Matt Meshbane on Facebook, we have something in common. Matt has impacted our lives- be it big or small, he has made an impact.
The thing I've learned about Matt, the thing I love about Matt, is his ability to dream big. I've also learned (and heard a million stories) about times he's had a dream and fell flat on his face, made somebody mad, made somebody happy, and then got back up. I've watched him grab a handful of CD's, local music from the last 20 years, play each one, and cry as he tells me a personal story about the musicians. Matt isn't perfect- he's made some glaring mistakes in public, but Matt is full of love. I've watched over and over as Matt continues to love and respect those who aren't so good to him. He's better than me that way.
Matt started his current venture, Meshed Up Productions, without one piece of equipment. He didn't have investors or anyone or anything except his own belief in a dream. He was homeless- living on a couch by the grace of a woman who complained about his farts, but understood his passion.
Three years later Matt has a home and his business is growing. He still lives gig to gig, but he is happy. Every Monday he hosts a private event called Meshed Up Monday at his home. The event brings South Austin friends together for food, friendship, and networking. Friends in the music/art community gather for a potluck style meal and a local musician plays from about 8 PM to 10 PM. After the band ends, Matt spins records from 10 PM to 12 AM. If friends want to continue visiting at that point, he refers them to the Little Darlin next door for a night cap. The event is fun and I personally watch the joy and friendships that result from the Monday gatherings. There has been only positive comments from the neighbors and the police have never been called to the event for noise (or any other reason). Matt makes no money from the event.
Meshed Up Monday has been held with the full knowledge and consent of his landlord, The Little Darlin. The owners have been part of the Meetup and Facebook group and have been invited to every event. The feedback has always been positive and they have thanked us on several occasions for the increased business Matt sends their way.
Two weeks ago something changed with the relationship with The Little Darlin. We don't know why. Matt follows all local, state, and federal laws executing his event. He sends customers to the Little Darlin. Speculation is honestly driving us crazy and doing no good.
Matt tried to talk to the owners of the Little Darlin to understand their concerns. In turn, one of the owners marched into the driveway and handed a Matt a notice to vacate the property in 30 days (Merry Christmas). We were shocked.
Matt has retained an attorney and we still hope for a peaceful, mutually acceptable outcome. BUT, Matt really needs help with legal expenses and possibly moving expenses. If you have any connection with the music business you probably have a good idea the kind of tightrope artists/creatives walk. Legal expenses have already reached the $2K mark. Moving is a big challenge- there is not only the hurdle of finding a place, deposits etc., but also a 12 x 16 shed full of PA gear. To be blunt, there is no money to make a move and if forced to leave Matt will not have a business or a place to live. Without your help it is very probable Matt will lose his business and home. This is not how we envisioned Christmas- or life for that matter.
Matt loves this community and he has struggled so hard to have a home and a business. If you know him you know how much this kills him- and if you don't know him, please take my word for it. He still cares about the folks at Little Darlin and hopes they will do the right thing. Matt is more than willing to make concessions to co-exist with the neighbors- without jeopardizing his entire life and livelihood.
We appreciate any help you can give- it means the world. I love Matt and I've come to love Austin. I want to spend my life helping Matt and contributing to the Austin Music Community- I know it is a huge ask and I thank you very much for your support

We need help to stay in our home and keep our business.
I'm Stephanie, Matt's girlfriend and partner in life. Most of you haven't met me. I haven't met most of you. Still, if you are one of the 5000 or so people who are friends with Matt Meshbane on Facebook, we have something in common. Matt has impacted our lives- be it big or small, he has made an impact.
The thing I've learned about Matt, the thing I love about Matt, is his ability to dream big. I've also learned (and heard a million stories) about times he's had a dream and fell flat on his face, made somebody mad, made somebody happy, and then got back up. I've watched him grab a handful of CD's, local music from the last 20 years, play each one, and cry as he tells me a personal story about the musicians. Matt isn't perfect- he's made some glaring mistakes in public, but Matt is full of love. I've watched over and over as Matt continues to love and respect those who aren't so good to him. He's better than me that way.
Matt started his current venture, Meshed Up Productions, without one piece of equipment. He didn't have investors or anyone or anything except his own belief in a dream. He was homeless- living on a couch by the grace of a woman who complained about his farts, but understood his passion.
Three years later Matt has a home and his business is growing. He still lives gig to gig, but he is happy. Every Monday he hosts a private event called Meshed Up Monday at his home. The event brings South Austin friends together for food, friendship, and networking. Friends in the music/art community gather for a potluck style meal and a local musician plays from about 8 PM to 10 PM. After the band ends, Matt spins records from 10 PM to 12 AM. If friends want to continue visiting at that point, he refers them to the Little Darlin next door for a night cap. The event is fun and I personally watch the joy and friendships that result from the Monday gatherings. There has been only positive comments from the neighbors and the police have never been called to the event for noise (or any other reason). Matt makes no money from the event.
Meshed Up Monday has been held with the full knowledge and consent of his landlord, The Little Darlin. The owners have been part of the Meetup and Facebook group and have been invited to every event. The feedback has always been positive and they have thanked us on several occasions for the increased business Matt sends their way.
Two weeks ago something changed with the relationship with The Little Darlin. We don't know why. Matt follows all local, state, and federal laws executing his event. He sends customers to the Little Darlin. Speculation is honestly driving us crazy and doing no good.
Matt tried to talk to the owners of the Little Darlin to understand their concerns. In turn, one of the owners marched into the driveway and handed a Matt a notice to vacate the property in 30 days (Merry Christmas). We were shocked.
Matt has retained an attorney and we still hope for a peaceful, mutually acceptable outcome. BUT, Matt really needs help with legal expenses and possibly moving expenses. If you have any connection with the music business you probably have a good idea the kind of tightrope artists/creatives walk. Legal expenses have already reached the $2K mark. Moving is a big challenge- there is not only the hurdle of finding a place, deposits etc., but also a 12 x 16 shed full of PA gear. To be blunt, there is no money to make a move and if forced to leave Matt will not have a business or a place to live. Without your help it is very probable Matt will lose his business and home. This is not how we envisioned Christmas- or life for that matter.
Matt loves this community and he has struggled so hard to have a home and a business. If you know him you know how much this kills him- and if you don't know him, please take my word for it. He still cares about the folks at Little Darlin and hopes they will do the right thing. Matt is more than willing to make concessions to co-exist with the neighbors- without jeopardizing his entire life and livelihood.
We appreciate any help you can give- it means the world. I love Matt and I've come to love Austin. I want to spend my life helping Matt and contributing to the Austin Music Community- I know it is a huge ask and I thank you very much for your support
Organizer
Matt Meshbane
Organizer
Austin, TX
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