IMPORTANT NOTICE: During this time of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concern, most concerts, jams and meetings have been cancelled. Check with the event contact before attending and check these pages for recent updates. All of us at AFTM hope that you and your friends and family are staying well.
Welcome to Austin Friends of Traditional Music
Austin String Band Camp Jam!
With a nod to Covid conditions then, an adjustable, abbreviated version of the Austin String Band Festival -- which we're calling the Austin String Band Camp Jam -- will be held Oct 15-17, 2021, at Camp Ben McCulloch. Watch this space and our Facebook for details coming soon!
Jams are Coming Back!
A monthly old time music jam has been started by Austin musician Britt Irick. Dates for upcoming jams are not yet firm but, on the Saturday before Memorial Day, a fine group turned up at Patterson Park in Austin to play the old tunes. Stay tuned to the AFTM website for updates!
Meanwhile down in Lockhart, a monthly jam will be held at the Old Pal Texas Tavern at 100 E. Market Street, on the town square. The jam will take place on one Thursday a month, from 7:00 pm until 10:00pm. The dates for the summer months are June 24th, July 22nd, Aug 26th.
Reel Times - July 2021
The July 2021 issue of our newsletter, Reel Times, is now available! Check it out to read a letter from our President Tim Wooten regarding the board's decision to stay Camp Ben, plus an interview with Austin's own Bernard Mollberg and the announcement of the Austin String Band Camp Jam!
See the new issue on our Reel Times Page.
Congratulations Mira!
Mira Dickey is the recipient of our annual scholarship for young students of Traditional Music.
Mira is a long time friend of AFTM and if you have come to any of our jams and festivals over the last few years you are almost certain to have met Mira. Most recently she has introduced us to the delights of Scandinavian music and especially the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle. Mira travelled to Norway and spent a year studying Norwegian music, dance and culture.
She will use her scholarship award to continue her study of Scandinavian music through video lessons on the Folk Music Academy website: https://www.thefolkmusicacademy.com
See our Scholarship Page for more information and don't miss her Reel Times interview
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Mira Dickey
AFTM TV
Interviews by
Gary Mortensen;
Video production by
Chip Bach;
Web site and YouTube channel manager
Terry SoRelle
The AFTM channel on YouTube now features a series of interviews conducted by our Reel Times editor Gary Mortensen.
Here are the latest interviewees:
See them all on the AFTM TV Page
More are in this works! To subscribe go to our YouTube channel page.
AFTM Speaks Out on Racism
Standing in solidarity with the Black community and all people of color, we, the AFTM board, affirm that Black lives matter, and we reject racism and white supremacy. We commit to:
- Emphasize the spirit of inclusion at AFTM events, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizen status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status.
- Reflect and correct our own practices, policies, and biases to ensure we promote just and fair treatment for all people.
- Contribute to a spirit of unity within our community through connection, education, tolerance, and music.
Adopted by the AFTM board June 14, 2020
AFTM Meeting and Jam
The AFTM monthly jam is on hiatus due to COVID-19. Board meetings continue via video conference. Use our contact form for more information, questions or concerns for the board.
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.
In years past we have supported our scholars to attend the Swannanoa Gathering’s Old-Time Music and Dance Week. Since the Swannanoa gathering has been canceled this year we will instead support these young musicians to further their study through on-line courses and lessons.
On Line Singing and Picking
During the COVID-19 empidemic some of our regular jams and song circles have gone on-line using Zoom video conferencing. Too bad, we can't really jam together over Zoom but we can take turns performing and listening. Not the same thing but it is fun. The following sessions have now gone on-line:
- Terry's Song and Tune Circle, each Saturday at 4pm
- Celtic Song Session, first Sundays at 2pm
- Stone Soup Session, third Sundays at 2 pm
Click the following link to register to get the video conference links in your email:
On that same page you'll also find links to articles by Chip Bach and Terry SoRelle explaining how you can enhance your on-line music making.
See and hear past sessions on our YouTube Playlist.
For a calendar of other virtual song sessions in the US, UK and around the world see:
Boston Song Sessions - Virtual Sessions
Remember the good old times? They'll come again! Meantime, join us on line.
Regretably, most jams and dances have been suspended due to COVID-19. Please check back for news, as we hope to see more groups resuming their regular get-togethers in the coming weeks and months.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Click the title or picture for details
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
