Judi Hopka – Austin’s Music Cheerleader

September 11, 2020, as everyone who has read my first book or seen postings was the day that my path in life was redirected, my photography adventure had began. This day is also has a special place in my heart. It was the day I met and became friends with Judi Hopka. Judi, seeing me photograph the band Code Blue, latched onto me as a photographer and began her support immediately. I had reminded her of a friend in San Diego, who was also a photographer.

Her support, her cheerleading, her enthusiasm for my music photography adventure has never ceased. Shortly after we met, she began to call me “Austin’s Music Photographer.” I had just started out. I was still learning my camera, plus, how to photograph in the most difficult in the most difficult environment. I had not earned such a title. But Judi saw something in me that at the time I had not. In my words, I would say that she saw in me the ability to succeed. Her support not only inspired me but gave comfort when I realized the long road ahead to master the skills necessary to be the best at this craft. She is a person everyone should have in their corner when starting any project alien to them. She is a source of positive energy and a reminder that you have what it takes, just get out there and do it. Thank You, Judi. You are the best. Now, tell your story.

1). Who is Judi Hopka?

I consider myself so lucky to have been born to witness the early years of Rock n Roll. I grew up in a musical family, but not like others. My side of the family was more Dixieland jazz. Imagine your cousin performing with Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., traveling the world. At a very early age, most of the music I listened to was Motown, thanks to my aunts.

It was 1960. Not many people at that time listened to black artists…oh but I did. To this day I still have passion and love for the greatest music of that time. Rock n Roll soon entered the picture and changed the times as we all knew them…. including me. Rock and Roll, and yes, the times were changing. History and music were at its peak in the late 60’s and believe it or not, with that kind of energy, I wanted to witness that firsthand. So much great rock n roll! My best friend and I were not even teenagers and we wanted to hitchhike to Woodstock. Well, we made it to Arizona and went back home!! LOL!! High School, you could always find me hanging out with kids that were in a band. I was lucky to have bands playing in my parents’ garage. I guess by now you can see a pattern here???

The mid 70’s were crazy! By the time I was 21, I was given the task of scouting bands for a particular club. Since I had spent so much time around bands, I knew who was going. Enter the 80’s. Music as we knew it was going in different directions. Rock n Roll was going strong….and Disco sucked. You could always find me spending time at a recording studio or at a gig. The 80’s paved my future in a strange twist of faith. I met Adam Brannon when he was the tender age of 22, a really cute guitar player, all things sweet and kind. But the timing wasn’t right. I had to say goodbye to Adam (ask him about Denny’s LOL).

Enter a German guitarist, Wolfgang Hopka. I married that guitarist. I was married to a rock musician for 32 years and have seen all that comes with it. The highs, the lows and all the in-between. By this time, I knew so much about the industry. It was evident when my husband passed. He died trying to get to that place here in America that he had somewhat achieved in Germany. Despite all the exposure, only 1 percent of the musicians who try will ever make it in this business.

All those years being around so many musicians helped me get through my grieving. I owe so much gratitude and love to so many. I threw myself into the music scene to heal my pain, and yes maybe burning the candle at both ends. I was happy to promote many bands. You could always find me peddling dozens of tickets to get into the House of Blues and living on 3 hours of sleep, then doing it all over again. I wasn’t the only one who had lost a musician. I founded The Rock Wives Widow club, a club nobody wants to be a member of. I found that giving support to a grieving rock widow was something I knew too well. It’s personal, the cut is deep, the loss is big, and the stage lights go dim. I am proof life does go on and so can love.

Enter Adam Brannon 33 years later. We share the same passion for music. I found Austin was my destination, a place for me to heal. The rest is history. We are together as life partners here in Texas. And of course, so many gigs and not enough days in a week. I still find myself promoting music and have managed to get involved in the Austin music scene. Jen Hasseler became my best friend and through her friendship, I learned she was a breast cancer survivor. One day over a conversation about how to give back, we started the Rock n Roll Fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Resource Center. What better way to raise money for the cause and, of course, live music was involved. I am happy to say it has become very successful and we are working on our 4th fundraiser.

2). What is it about the Austin Music Scene that appeals to you?

Austin’s music scene is full of talent. The musicians here in Austin are so talented. They take their music seriously but at the same time are ready to help another musician out. Open mics are a great way to gather and get to see talent from other musicians who play in town. Another interesting observation is that musicians are so much woven into the lives of the fans. We are all one big happy family.

3). Austin Music Scene past present and future.

Even though I have been coming to Austin from San Diego for years, my firsthand knowledge came from COVID. Arrrgh. Right when Adam and I moved here, times were uncertain and you had to really think outside the box to perform. Duo gigs were the way. Now the music scene is alive and well. Many musicians are in multiple bands. Quite different from the past I am sure. The future? Well, my opinion is that our musicians need more respect from the clubs and deserve better pay. The future of live music depends on that.

4). A.I and music.

The exact word…Artificial Intelligence. Music comes from the heart. I tend to be leery of any A.I. It starts out being your friend, but can also destroy. This could rid us of real music and the people who perform. Listen to the last words in the song Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues.