IMPORTANT NOTICE: While COVID-19 remains a concern, most concerts, jams, and meetings are happening! This may change, so stay tuned to the AFTM website for COVID-19 updates regarding public events, and stay safe!
Welcome to Austin Friends of Traditional Music
Jams are Returning
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.
Save the Date
Camp Jam - March 18, 2023
Looking ahead to next year, the AFTM has reserved Camp Ben McCulloch for Saturday, March 18, 2023 for a spring Camp Jam!
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 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.
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
