Something Indie This Way Comes

*The author, Nakia, & Calliope Musicals perform in Indie Orchestra Night, March 2018 (photo: David Brendan Hall / Do512)*

A decade ago, spurred by a late/late 00’s conversation with my friend Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater, I embarked on a musical odyssey called Indie Orchestra Night (ION). Conceived as a platform for independent artists across all genres, backed by my live orchestral arrangements, ION was a labor of love that took a few years to materialize. However, when the stars aligned in 2014, it became clear that we had stumbled upon something special.

Guest artists, initially apprehensive (“wait, you asking ME to play with a proper ORCHESTRA?”), soon found themselves swept up in the magic of the event, often proclaiming it as their favorite show ever. The resounding success of our inaugural installment earned glowing press and accolades, with the Austin Critics’ Table Awards recognizing this unconventional fusion as one of its Top Classical Performances of the year—an unexpected honor alongside established classical institutions like the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Austin Opera.

*2024 I/O artist Caleb De Casper with the author*

Amidst the praise, a recurring theme emerged — the power of ION to bridge diverse musical communities, from classical to indie rock, hip hop to alt country. Recognizing its unique ability to unite artists from across the Austin spectrum, I explored avenues to leverage the event as a fundraiser. Thus began our partnership with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), channeling awareness and resources to support the local music community.

However, the trajectory of ION took an unexpected turn when, in 2022, my position as artistic director was abruptly terminated by the non-profit organization through which I initially produced the event. Faced with the prospect of ION's tenuous future and starting anew on the funding front, I grappled with the possibility that the project might never see the light of day again.

But fate had other plans. When my friends at KUTX 98.9 approached me about reviving our 2020 Covid-cancelled installment, it reignited hope. Despite the upheaval caused by my departure from the non-profit, their unwavering support bolstered my resolve. Still, the question loomed—where would the funding come from?

Determined to make it happen, we embarked on a quest to secure a venue and funding. While KUTX assisted in venue procurement, I delved into nonstop grant-writing. After initial setbacks, a lifeline emerged in the form of a generous grant from the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. Armed with this newfound support and a proper intro by KUTX, I approached Austin PBS — a bastion of musical legacy, home to Austin City Limits — with trepidation.

*2024 I/O artist promqueen with the author*

To my surprise and delight, the reception was beyond anything I could have imagined. They’d reviewed my shared media and event one-sheet, and their enthusiasm for the concept was palpable: before I could even deliver my full pitch, they were onboard. In a matter of moments, a tentative dream had transformed into a reality—ION was set to return.

As the days count down to the first Indie Orchestra since 2019, I find myself immersed in a whirlwind of preparations. Despite the sleepless nights, the prospect of resurrecting this beloved project fills me with joy. ION's rebirth, marked by a subtle rebranding as Indie Orchestra*, symbolizes a new chapter—one fueled by resilience, community, and unwavering passion for the entire Central Texas music scene.