Traditional bands in the Austin Area

Austin, Texas bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World". While most of Austin's music scene consistes of guitar bands, over the years there have been a number of traditional Dixiland bands that have kept the genre alive in the Central Texas area.

Notably, Tommy Griffith's "Old Waterloo Jazz Band (recently renamed the "New Orleans Jazz Band of Austin") has been a staple in Austin since the 1970's. In San Antonio, Chuch Riley's "Alamo City Jazz Band", and, best known of all, the "Jim Cullum Jazz Band" have kept traditional music alive in the area.

Now quite a few younger musicians have formed groups that, although they do not adhere to the usual dixieland instrumentation, definitely adhere to the spirit and improvisational style of traditional jazz. Now Central Texans can list to groups like "Aunt Ruby's Jazz Babies" and the "Giant City Sextet" and here traditional jazz each week in Austin.

Here are some of the Austin and Central Texas bands that are performing traditional jazz. Check the "Events" section on the menu to find where and when these bands are performing. Traditional jazz can only exist if those who love the music show up to listen and support the musicians who perform it!