Art Blondin

Art Blondin, of Austin, Texas, left this world, on Saturday, August 30th, 2014. He was 60 years young.

Art was born in Burlington, VT, on November 18th, 1953. In the 1970’s, he worked as a bartender, at Finbar’s and Tortilla Flats, and was a well known musician about town.

Art moved to Austin, Texas, in 1980. In 1986, he and his beloved wife, Zenobia (“Z”) Sutton, opened “Artz Caboose Restaurant”, on West 5th St. In August of 1992, with business booming, the restaurant was moved to a larger venue, on South Lamar Blvd. Serving up ribs that were once dubbed, “The Best Ribs in Texas”, “Artz Rib House” was born.

Artz quickly became the go to place, for award winning ribs and bbq. Art and Z championed local musicians, serving up great music, along with hearty portions of delicious food. Treating every person who walked through the door as if they were family, Artz Rib House developed a large, loyal following.

A talented bass player in his own right, Art was a long standing member in the “Jon Emery Band“. Art valued Jon’s friendship, as much as he valued Jon’s musical talent. Together, they produced many recordings on the “Ribhouse Records” label.

Tom Wells, drummer for the Jon Emery Band, wrote of Art‘s passing, “………reflecting on what an amazingly talented, hardworking and brilliant man Art was. For me, his humor was so sharp, I had to bring band aids, so dry, I had to bring water, so funny, I had to bring towels.”

Art was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Minnie Blondin and brothers Charles and Robert.

Art will long be remembered by all who knew and loved him, as a kind, loving, talented man, with a quick wit and a warm smile. He leaves behind his beautiful wife, and love of his life, Zenobia Sutton, his best friend Jon Emery, band mates, and many, many other friends and family members, too numerous to mention.

A special thanks, to Rene and Danny Britt, for their love and support.

A memorial and benefit will be held in Austin, Texas, in October. Those wishing to contribute, in Art’s memory, may send donations to:

Rene Britt
P.O. Box 91092
Austin, TX 78709

This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2014.

5 replies on “Obituary: Art Blondin, 1953-2014, Austin, TX”

  1. I am honored to have been quoted in this Obit. Art broke the mold, always focused outward, never asking for much in return. He left a big hole in the soul of the Austin music community. It should be known that in all those years Artz Ribhouse was a major venue for Austin singer-songwriters and the many fans that followed them. Art had live music every night they were open. We miss him so much. Please remember his precious Z. with thoughts and prayers.

    Thank you,
    Tom Wells

  4. What a great loss, a great friend, we moved to Austin for the same reason, he stayed and I didn’t, am in shock right now seeing this, my best to Z.

    willie pearson

  5. I had the pleasure of knowing Artie for some time and playing with him in two bands in Burlington. It’s hard to believe he’s gone so young, Willie and I were just talking about our days at Finbars and getting in touch with him one day too late as it turns out.

    Z, I’m sorry we haven’t met yet, you have my deepest condolences.

    Daniel Britton a.k.a. Gypsy

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