The music that built Austin’s sterling reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World® derives from cultures that immigrated to Central Texas from all over the globe. In fact, after nearly a decade of growing popularity of foreign-inspired music, the term “world beat” was popularized by Dan Del Santo, who hosted a "World Beat" show on local public radio station KUT in the mid-80s. Since then, the term has widely been used in the record industry and a growing number of local clubs and community events specialize in showcasing world music in Austin. See where you can find some world music events and venues below!
World Music Venues
Sahara Lounge
Sahara Lounge, an East Austin gem, was always destined to be a hotspot for late night goings-on. Before the venue was founded in 2011, it stood open for 33 years as TC’s Lounge, a historic jazz and blues spot. Now, Sahara Lounge primarily features reggae, African, Brazilian, Spanish and Middle Eastern music and is run by Eileen Bristol of Zoumountchi, the “Africa Night” house band at the Sahara, and her son Topaz McGarrigle of psychedelic afrobeat collective Golden Dawn Arkestra. The musical mother-son duo keep the laid back culture of the venue alive. Enjoy free parking, signature cocktails, and even a complimentary buffet on Saturday nights for Africa Night as Eileen and the band keep the music going and the drinks flowing!
Flamingo Cantina
One of historic Sixth Street’s few remaining music venues that features original music is Flamingo Cantina. Since opening in 1991, the venue has since remained one of the best places for Latin, world beat, reggae and ska music. Not only does its central location downtown make it accessible to many, it is also a favorite among the city’s world music players who tout the venue’s “good vibes” culture. As a patron, you can enjoy an intimate environment with a spacious dance floor and hard knockin’ drinks to boot. Start or end your night at the Flamingo for good times and put on your dancin’ shoes!
Plaza Colombian
Tucked in on the south side of Austin is Plaza Colombian. This low-key restaurant and venue is located on the southern end of South Congress Avenue and is the perfect atmosphere for traditional Spanish dance music such as salsa, merengue, and son cubano. This local gem has a wonderful menu of Colombian cuisine including coffee, baked goods and tapas. The coffee bar features live music on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m.
Regular World Music Jams, Showcases & Events
Kenny Dorham’s Backyard
Every first Saturday of the month, between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kenny Dorham’s Backyard features touring world musicians for a monthly series titled International Grooves. Whether you attend a blues jam or world music takeover, you can enjoy the free parking, on-site food trailers, or BYOB and have a picnic outside while you listen to some live music. Kids under 12 get in free, pets are welcome, and there are additional family discounts available.
Carnaval Brasileiro
Austin’s favorite dance party is back! With over 6,000 annual attendees, Carnaval Brasileiro has been the largest indoor Carnaval outside of Brazil since being founded by homesick Brazilian college students in 1978. Ever wondered what authentic Brazilian drums sound like? Get your tickets to the annual samba party, now held at Speakeasy, and dance away the winter frost into spring.
World music goes hand-in-hand with movement and dancing. Local non-profit Esquina Tango aims to create a vibrant community in Austin that fosters appreciation for Latino culture. Through the organization’s dance classes and live music events, Esquina Tango has done a great job of accomplishing this mission since 2006. Check out the events calendar on their website for a complete list of live music events they’re hosting at their venue on the east side of town or at other venues around the Austin area.
Local World Music Artists
Indarajit Banerjee
Indrajit Banerjee is a highly respected sitar player based in Austin, known for Indian classical music as well as fusion and world music collaborations. He performs regularly around town, often at venues like Sahara Lounge (including World Music Night events) and with ensembles such as Atash, an acclaimed world music group. He blends traditional Hindustani ragas with contemporary and jazz influences, bringing depth and cross‑cultural appeal to his performances. Banerjee also runs the Antara School of Indian Classical Music, further strengthening Austin’s global music scene.
Zoumountchi
Zoumountchi is an Austin-based Afrobeat and African music band known for delivering vibrant, dance-driven performances rooted in West African musical traditions. A fixture at Africa Night events at the Sahara Lounge, Zoumountchi frequently closes out the evening alongside the Sahara Allstars. Their performances are a popular example of how Austin’s world music community brings rhythm, culture, and community together in a live setting.
Son de Rey
Son de Rey is an Austin Latin rock and world music band that blends traditional cumbia and Latin beats with modern pop and electronic elements. They’ve been recognized locally for their vibrant performances and genre‑blending sound, making them a staple in Austin’s broader world and Latin music offerings.
The Point
The Point is an Austin-based trio blending psychedelia, Saharan guitar tones, and cumbia rhythms with a relaxed, jam-driven approach. Rooted in the city’s live music culture, they’re a familiar presence on local stages, including The Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul.
Jaime Ospina
Jaime is a Colombian composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator. As the lead singer, songwriter, and flutist of Superfónicos, he blends deep grooves with rich, melodic songwriting shaped by years of travel and study with traditional music masters from rural Colombia.
Article contributed by Nat Pham and Brianda Fernandez.
