Welcome to Austin Friends of Traditional Music
Upcoming Events
September 19, 2024: Texas String Band Showcase
7:30PM-10:00PM at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches on Manor Road. See the Facebook event for more details!
September 28, 2024: 50th Anniversary Square Dance
1:00PM - 4:00PM at the French Legation Texas Historic Site (802 San Marcos St., Austin 78702)
It’s time to celebrate the 50th ANNIVERSARY of AFTM!
Founded in 1974, AFTM has been supporting, promoting, and performing traditional music and dance representing all traditional cultures and styles since then.
We’ll have live string band music from the Rusty Nail and Two Goat bands, and dance callers to teach every dance. No dance experience necessary, all dances taught, family friendly, and free admission! Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and comfortable clothes.
Share on Facebook to help get the word out!
October 18-20, 2024: Austin String Band Festival
See details on the festival page here!
We can use a hand with several key areas of the festival. Email Gary Mortensen (gary@aftm.us) if you'd like to get involved to help make the festival a success!
Get Involved
AFTM is a totally volunteer-run organization, and we could always use help with our mission of keeping traditional music alive in central Texas!
Join the Board
There are currently three openings on our board of directors, and we are looking for passionate and committed individuals to join us in shaping the future of the AFTM. As active members of our traditional music community, we believe that your unique perspective and experience would be a valuable addition to our leadership team. Email AFTMTexas@gmail.com if you're interested or to nominate someone!
Help with the Austin String Band Festival
Planning is underway for the 2024 Austin String Band Festival, and we could use help with key areas of the festival. Email Gary Mortensen (gary@aftm.us) if you'd like to get involved or to find out more information.
Become our Webmaster
Do you have web design and maintenance skills? We could use your help with improving and updating the AFTM website! Email james.seppi@gmail.com if you're interested or if you have questions about the role.
Jams
Check out our Jams page for a listing of known jams in the Austin area.
We'll update our page as we find out information about changing jam conditions. If you host a jam or have information we could share, please contact us.
AFTM on
YouTube
Interviews by
Gary Mortensen, Reel Times Editor of AFTM
The AFTM channel on YouTube features a series of interviews conducted by our Reel Times editor Gary Mortensen.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified when new videos are posted!
AFTM Scholarships
Each year the Austin Friends of Traditional Music awards a scholarship to promising musicians and dancers, 30 years of age or younger, who wish to further their studies of old time music and dance.
We normally send our scholars to the Swannanoa Gathering’s Old-Time Music and Dance Week.
Kids in a New Groove
Kids in a new groove (KING) combines the power of mentoring with music instruction by providing private, in-home, music instruction to Central Texas youth in foster care.
Volunteers are needed! Apply here.
Dances
Click title or picture for details
