Mid-Week Intermission Friend Edition: KMFA 89.5
If you know the Long Center, you know that we love our friends. As a nonprofit, we work together with all sorts of organizations in the community to help keep the arts alive in Austin. Not only do we get by with a little help from them, but they’re just flat-out-cool, and super fun to collaborate with!
In this Mid-Week Intermission, we chatted with our friends over at KMFA 89.5 to learn more about classical music’s place in Austin, their partnership with the LC, their upcoming Arts Mixer on August 21, and what they’re looking forward to at our 3rd Annual Teresa Lozano Long Community Day.
Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview – anything come to mind?
KMFA: We chose Beethoven’s Ode to Joy because its uplifting spirit and energetic movements mirror the creative pulse of Austin’s arts community. The music ignites inspiration, breaks through creative blocks, and injects vitality into the artistic process—much like our partners do every day.
For KMFA, Ode to Joy perfectly reflects the energy, creativity, and collaborative spirit that defines Austin’s arts scene—and our role as a hub where music and imagination meet.
LC: So KMFA, “on key, offbeat” pretty much says it all, but can you give a quick rundown of what you’re all about to our readers who might be less familiar.
KMFA: KMFA brings classical music to life with fresh perspectives and a come-on-in spirit. We share it, celebrate it, and make space for everyone to feel right at home. You’ll hear music that’s handpicked by real people who know their stuff and wear their passion on their sleeves. In our purpose-built home in East Austin, which is home to the Draylen Mason Music Studio, a 140-seat performance venue, we create bold, immersive events that bring people closer to the music, the artists, and each other. Through our commitment to our arts and community partners, we champion collaboration across Austin’s vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re tuning in, showing up, or joining forces, we’re here to make classical feel personal, present, and unmistakably Austin.
LC: In a city with such a sprawling music scene, what role to you think KMFA plays in the wider music and arts community in Austin?
KMFA: In a city celebrated for its diverse music scene, KMFA serves as the hub for classical music in all its forms—traditional, contemporary, and everything in between. While some may still think of classical music as “old music for elite audiences,” Austin tells a very different story. Here, a vibrant community of classically trained musicians and composers are redefining what classical music sounds like—blending it with pop, R&B, folk, bluegrass, even gaming music.
LC: KMFA has supported the Long Center on events such as Community Day (coming up on Sept 6), Black Violin, Itzhak Perlman, and so many more. What makes this partnership a natural fit?
KMFA: The partnership between KMFA and the Long Center feels natural because our missions are deeply aligned. The Long Center was built to be a home for the arts in Austin, a gathering place that fuels community through creative expression and ensures access to world-class cultural experiences for all Austinites. Similarly, KMFA has positioned itself as a hub for the arts for more than 58 years—connecting people to classical music, showcasing Austin’s creative spirit, and enriching the cultural life of our community.
LC: Your programs and initiative like Composer in Residence, Kids on Key, and Offbeat Concert Series focus on making classical music accessible to all Austinites. Can you tell us more about why this is so important?
KMFA: At KMFA, accessibility isn’t just an ideal—it’s central to our mission. We believe classical music should inspire and belong to everyone, not just a select few. That’s why our programs and initiatives are designed to foster connection, nurture creativity, and broaden the definition of the genre for Austinites of all ages and backgrounds.
Together, these efforts ensure that classical music is not only preserved but continually reimagined—accessible, inclusive, and alive in the cultural fabric of Austin.
LC: With public media across the country facing funding challenges and uncertainty these days, how can folks support KMFA and other public media organizations? We love our radio here!
KMFA: These are challenging times for public media and the arts in America. With Congress’ recent approval of rescission bill H.R. 4, $1.1 billion in already-approved federal funding has been withdrawn from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts. For KMFA, this means federal funding disappears immediately.
We had expected $140,000 this November as part of our Community Service Grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—funds that made up a critical 7% of our annual budget. With that money gone, and an additional $200,000 loss looming in 2026, KMFA is now facing a significant and permanent funding gap. The same is true for many of our public media colleagues, including KUT/KUTX and Austin PBS, as well as arts organizations across the nation.
But KMFA is determined to continue serving as Austin’s hub for classical music and the arts. We need your help to do it.
How You Can Help
- Make a two-year transformative pledge to help KMFA bridge the gap and stabilize operations in the face of these cuts.
- Become a Sustaining Member with a monthly gift—or, if you already give monthly, consider adding just a few more dollars to your contribution.
Now more than ever, our community must come together to ensure that public media and the arts not only survive, but thrive. With your support, KMFA will continue to inspire, uplift, and provide a home for music and culture in Austin for generations to come.
For more information or to pledge your support, contact Jesan Barnes at jbarnes@kmfa.org or visit kmfa.org.
LC: Are there any upcoming events, partnerships or collaborations in the Austin community you’re excited about? How can folks get involved?
KMFA: Yes! We’re thrilled to share that two of our biggest community celebrations of the arts are right around the corner.
First, our annual Austin Arts Mixer takes place this Thursday at KMFA. It has become the unofficial kick-off to Austin’s arts season, bringing together nearly 40 local nonprofit arts organizations in one place. Guests can explore the incredible breadth of performances and programs happening in our city while enjoying a fully catered happy hour with food, drinks, door prizes, and—most importantly—community.
We’re also proud to partner once again with the Long Center for the 3rd Annual Teresa Lozano Long Community Day on Saturday, September 6. This free, family-friendly block party celebrates Austin’s arts and culture with community partners, live music, performances, food trucks, BubblePalooza presented by H-E-B, and plenty of hands-on activities for all ages. It’s the Long Center at its best—open to everyone and filled with creativity.
And if you’re looking for ways to stay plugged in year-round, KMFA’s “5 Offbeat Things To Do” newsletter is delivered every Thursday with curated picks for the best arts happenings in Austin each weekend. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to this vibrant community—subscribe now at kmfa.org/newsletter.
LC: What are you looking forward to about joining us at Community Day? We are excited to have you!
KMFA: That’s easy—the answer is right in the name of the event: Community! One of the best parts of working at KMFA is connecting with people who love and are committed to the arts in Austin. Community Day gives us the perfect chance to do just that.
We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, sharing small joys like a free bumper sticker or piece of KMFA swag, and hearing the incredible stories of how KMFA has touched lives across Austin. Most of all, we love being surrounded by people who share our passion for art, music, and culture. In short, we’re excited to celebrate community—together.
Thanks for chatting, KMFA! We can’t wait to hang at Community Day.
Join us on September 6 for performances, arts and crafts, and community organizations, all for free!
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
