YMBL Speaker Series to Feature Terry Lickona,
Executive Producer of Austin City Limits
YMBL hosts acclaimed Executive Producer for the August Speaker Series luncheon to share stories on leadership, hospitality, and building community
AUSTIN, TX—The Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) announced today that its August Speaker Series luncheon will feature Terry Lickona, executive producer of Austin City Limits
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at PBS Headquarters at Highland Campus in Central Austin.
Despite popular belief, Lickona didn’t create ACL (he became its executive producer in 1979). Lickona’s journey in the music industry started with a gig at a radio station he was in college in New York. When one of his listeners suggested he check out the up and coming artist Willie Nelson he embarked on a road trip to College Station for Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic in the summer of 1974 (and a 3 day recovery stay in Austin). Terry credits the booking of Ray Charles for Season 5 for putting the “little upstart Texas music show” on the map.
Lickona will share his journey through 47 years of leading the television series. He will walk the audience through the evolution of both the music and the business of the show and brand, which includes the eventual partnership with Capital Sports and Entertainment (now known as C3 Presents) and the creation of Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Austin City Limits began with $7,000 in 1974 to produce a one-hour pilot starring B.W. Stevenson and Willie Nelson. In the more than 50 years since, the show has expanded from the 320 seat Studio 6A on UT Campus to the multi- million dollar premier theater in downtown Austin known as Moody Theater, It has won numerous awards and accolades including a Peabody award, and was the first TV show honored with a National Medal of the Arts at the White House. Lickona is also a co-producer of the Grammy’s.
TICKETS:
• $35 per person for active YMBL Member
• $45 per person for Non-Members
• Open to the public
• Limited availability
WHO:
• Terry Lickona, Executive Producer of Austin City Limits
WHAT:
• YMBL Speaker Series Luncheon
WHEN:
• Tuesday, August 12
• 11:30 AM – 1 PM CST
WHERE:
• PBS Austin Headquarters
• 6101 Highland Campus Dr Building 3000, Austin, TX 78752
About Terry Lickona
Terry Lickona has been the producer and now Executive Producer of Austin City Limits since 1978, leading the show for 46 of the shows more than 50 years in production.
Lickona has been the co-producer of the Grammy Awards Show on CBS since 2012. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences from 2005-2006. He also currently serves on the Board of the Latin Recording Academy.
In 2008 Americana Music Conference gave Lickona a lifetime achievement award at the Ryman Auditorium.
About Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits celebrated 50 years in 2024 and reigns as the longest running music program in TV History. In 2003, the President of the United States awarded ACL the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest honor for artistic excellence, marking the the first TV show was given this honor. In 2012, ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement. Austin City LImits started with $7,000 in funding from PBS in 1974. It is stated through the years “ACL has expanded its range of performers from the original “friends of Willie” to the likes of Phish, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Pearl Jam, Lauryn Hill and Sonic Youth.”
About Jason Scharf (Host set to lead the interview on stage)
Jason Scharf is a key player in Austin’s innovation scene, blending deep experience in Bio & Health with roles as an angel investor, writer, podcast host, and former exec at Amgen, BD, and Illumina. He leads the “Austin Next” podcast, publishes on innovation ecosystems, and actively supports TechBio founders through investment, advising, and thought leadership. Known as a “Defender of Austin,” he moderates panels, speaks at top universities, and shares research and trends online to shape Austin’s growth as a global innovation hub. Learn more at https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/
About the YMBL
Since 1913, the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) has connected Austin’s rising business professionals through networking, service, and leadership. The monthly Speaker Series welcomes members, guests, and alumni to explore insights from accomplished leaders in diverse fields. YMBL also supports Austin Sunshine Camps. Learn more at www.austinymbl.org
About the Austin Sunshine Camps
YMBL founded the Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC) in 1928 to provide free, overnight camp experiences to underserved Central Texas youth—totaling approximately 56,000 children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or are in foster care. Entirely funded through donations, fundraising events, and volunteer efforts, the YMBL remains committed to ensuring every camper experiences the life-changing impact of summer camp. Learn more about the Austin Sunshine Camps at www.sunshinecamps.org
