Hole in the Wall, a beloved music venue in Austin, is making strides to honor women in music with the opening of Amity’s Coffee and Karaoke, a coffee shop situated in its back space. Named after the daughter of the venue’s current general manager, this establishment will not only serve coffee but also keep the spirit of karaoke alive in a space that has seen its fair share of changes over the years. Located where the short-lived Jewboy Cantina once stood, Amity’s aims to pay homage to musicians like Nanci Griffith, Lucinda Williams, and Rosie Flores, who have graced the venue’s front stage.
As the city’s vibrant music scene battles issues of sustainability and revenue, the opening of Amity’s serves as a strategic move for Hole in the Wall. With extended coffee service hours beginning in June, the shop will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a welcoming space from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekends. Nighttime activities will kick off with karaoke at 10 PM, retaining the venue’s social elements while introducing a refreshing daytime culture.
General Manager Clayton England emphasized the significance of this venture, saying, “I can represent a piece of the venue’s history that is not well represented, while also creating a model that is intentional for keeping arts and culture spaces going.” He highlights the rich legacy of the front stage, a space that has consistently welcomed everyone even when other venues struggled.
In a bold move to secure its future, Hole in the Wall signed a 20-year lease agreement bolstered by a $1.6 million investment from the city of Austin through the Iconic Venue Fund. This financial support comes after a rocky history, which included a brief closure in 2002 and near closure in 2015 due to rising costs. This funding guarantees a future for the venue, ensuring it remains a vital part of Austin’s music landscape.
Having previously managed Far Out Lounge, England stepped in as the bar’s general manager following the implementation of the Iconic Venue Fund aid and the departure of longtime GM Austin Leos. His goal is to provide a sustainable future for Hole in the Wall and to inspire other music venues to consider similar models of operation. He has collaborated with Rally Austin, a nonprofit working on equitable solutions against displacement, in hopes that Amity’s will set a precedent for creatively merging food, drink, and music.
England expressed his desire to elevate Hole in the Wall beyond merely survival, acknowledging the impact of high rent on local venues. Even with grants and financial support dwindling due to shifting political landscapes, he believes that intentional dialogue about sustaining independent venues is crucial. His aspiration is to cultivate a long-lasting environment that will thrive, helping ensure that the music community remains vibrant in the face of challenges.
As he looks toward the future, England hopes that Hole in the Wall will continue to endure long enough for his daughter to appreciate live performances when she turns 21. Additionally, he envisions Amity’s revitalizing connections with the nearby University of Texas students. The venue, which is exclusively for those aged 21 and over after 9 PM, can foster relationships with students in their early years by providing a friendly space as they transition toward adulthood.
“I have a lot of personal conviction behind this project,” England remarked. He understands the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of Austin and feels that taking action rather than lamenting the past is crucial for preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage. Amity’s Coffee and Karaoke stands as a testament to this vision, inviting all to celebrate the legacy and future of Austin’s music scene.
image source from：https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2025-05-27/hole-in-the-wall-opens-coffee-shop-in-karaoke-space/
