KMFA 89.5 slipped into its impressive new building rather quietly during the pandemic.
Now, the independent non-profit radio station — the longest broadcasting classical station in Texas — can finally invite the public in.
“KMFA Day” is 2 to 6 p.m. April 23.
Designed to be a gathering place with generous spaces inside and out, the 20,000-square-foot building is at 41 Navasota Street, part of a mixed-use development just east of IH-35 on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake. In addition to broadcasting studios and offices, the building features the acoustically perfect 135-seat Draylen Mason Music Studio, a much-needed concert venue.
Another feature is “Sound Garden” a long-term installation by Austin artist Steve Parker, commissioned by KMFA for its community gallery.
“Sound Garden” is an ecosystem of playable sculptures that merge historic, and sometimes defunct, musical instrument designs (stroh horns, diddly bows, organ pipes, marching band instruments) with household materials (copper plumbing, fireplace bellows, plants) and contemporary technologies (Arduino controllers, contact mics, proximity sensors).
On KMFA Day there will be performances both outside on the garden patio and inside tThe event is free, but RSVPs are required if to attend the featured performances:
- 2:30-3:00 p.m. Brent Baldwin of Convergence will present a new work entitled ‘Peace is Every Ste’
- 3:30-4:00 p.m. Austin Saxophone Ensemble
- 4:30-5:00 p.m. Invoke
- 5:30-6:00 p.m. Donald Grantham’s World Premiere of ‘Love Songs Sweet and Sour’ featuring mezzo soprano Liz Cass and pianist Carla McElhaney
Make reservations at kmfaday.planningpod.com/
