One group is working to pump up the volume of Bastrop's live music scene with local talent

A homegrown nonprofit is helping to boost Bastrop’s burgeoning music scene with local talent, as well as attracting Austin-area stalwarts for performances.

Founded in 2023, the Bastrop Live Music Foundation works in conjunction with the city’s Visit Bastrop tourist entity “to bring local and touring musicians to local venues, ensure that musicians are paid a fair wage and create opportunities for our community to connect through live music performances and events,” said founder and director Robert A. Kraft, a musician from Paige and a film/voice actor.

Kraft, who is joined by a board of local musicians and media and marketing specialists, said the foundation has been hosting four main performance formats: large outdoor shows, a songwriters showcase, a Music in the Park series and in-store performances at Astro Record Store, 910 Main Street. Some of the outdoor shows at Neighbor’s Yard and Kitchen's large stage have included Austin stalwarts James McMurtry, Rosie Flores and Mandy Rowen, plus local musicians Phil Hurley and Ben Zuniga. The Songwriters Showcase is hosted monthly by Kraft at Homespun Wisdom, 1002 Chestnut St.

“A guest artist and I take turns playing original tunes, telling stories and basically having a great time with the audience,” Kraft said.

Monte Warden joined Kraft for the songwriter showcase in early March. Bastrop jazz/pop vocalist Hailey Tuck, who had an extended performance stay in Paris and other European cities, also has performed at the showcase. The music in the park series is held at Fisherman’s Park, pairing up two acts on a monthly basis. The in-store performances at Astro Record Store also have been a strong draw to an already active business scene along Main Street.

The foundation’s Music in the Park series is produced in partnership with the city of Bastrop’s recreation program, headed up by manager Terry Moore.

“Terry approached me and asked if we could curate and produce these shows,” Kraft said. The shows feature two acoustic acts, performing one after the other, at Fisherman’s Park's main pavilion.

Moore said working with the foundation has been “a great partnership for the Parks and Recreation Department — an opportunity to provide programs with talented artists. The foundation has the music connections and I’ve really enjoyed working with Robert to promote the scene.”

After a winter break, Moore said the park series resumed its free shows at Fisherman’s Park on March 14 with musicians Vanessa Barbee and Max Rios; the April 11 showcase features Julie Nolan and Evelyn Jackson. Performances start at 6 p.m.

A recent addition has been the Bastrop County Musicians Mixer at 602 Brewing Company, 919 Main St.

“All Bastrop musicians are invited, no matter their skill level or instrument,” Kraft said. “Come out, have a beer, talk shop and make some new friends.”

Kraft said some of the foundation’s goals include scholarships for young musicians, mentorships and continuing education for established and developing artists, in addition to assisting with access to health care and mental health resources for musicians and their families.

Ticket sales to performances and donations are the foundation’s main source of revenue, Kraft said. The foundation received a grant from the city of Bastrop, and a donation from Austin’s famed Continental Club, where Kraft and Hurley have performed.

“Mostly, it is the music fans who come to our shows that keep the music coming,” Kraft said. “I would love to have more financial sponsorships from local businesses, and I am working on that. I have loaned money to the foundation out of my own pocket, to keep it afloat at times.”

For upcoming shows — including dates, venues and possible changes — see the Bastrop Live Music Foundation’s Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bastrop Live Music Foundation works to boost city's music scene