The KMFA event space lobby with metallic balloons

About KMFA

KMFA Classical 89.5 was launched January 29, 1967, after the commercial classical radio station changed to a pop radio format. Classical music enthusiasts of the Austin community coalesced to create a listener-supported classical music station.

Our devoted community came together again after learning that the lease at the station’s 6,000 square foot space was going to be terminated. Why not design a forever home that includes event space for live performances? A capitol campaign launched in 2019, and our 18,000 square foot home was completed in 2020, exceeding all expectations.

At our new location in East Austin, KMFA has joined a vibrant, thriving, and diverse neighborhood- and is playing a vital role in a more connected city. Once the site of a federal fish hatchery, “The Hatchery” district is tucked away just north of Lady Bird Lake, a short walk or drive from downtown Austin.

KMFA Icon #1

Dynamic

Great Spaces For Any Kind Of Experience

Blue Music Note

Affordable

A Perfect Option For Any Event Budget

Sound Bar Icon

Culture

Austin Vibes With A Stylish Appeal

Austin, TX Location Icon

Convenient

Located in Downtown Austin With Parking

The Draylen Mason Music Studio

The Draylen Mason Music Studio is the centerpiece of the KMFA facility. The space is named after Draylen Mason, the talented seventeen-year-old bassist who was a victim of the Austin package bombings in March of 2018. Draylen was a rising star in the classical music community taken from us far too soon. KMFA is honored to perpetuate Draylen’s legacy.

Our Team

Stacey Hoyt CMP/CSEP

Stacey Hoyt CMP/CSEP

Director of Events

Stacey Hoyt is a longtime Austin resident with a technical production background and a solid career in event management. Before joining KMFA she was the manager of special events at the Blanton Museum of Art where she handled facility rentals, programmed music, and planned events. She has been with KMFA since the venue opened to the public in 2021. She is responsible for planning KMFA events, working with outside groups that use the space, and programming live music in the Draylen Mason Music Studio.

Active in the local special events community, Stacey is a former president of the Austin Chapter of the International Live Event’s Association (ILEA) and was inducted into the chapter’s Hall of Fame in 2021. She earned her CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) designation in 2009 and is currently serving as the chair of the ILEA International CSEP committee. She is also a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a member of the Hill Country Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). She teaches special events design at Austin Community College and The University of Texas at Austin.

Privately, Stacey is the proud mother of two grown daughters, and she enjoys experiencing the incredible Austin live music scene and spending time outdoors.

Kenken Gorder

Kenken Gorder

Event Production Coordinator

Kenken Gorder is the Event Production Coordinator at KMFA. His primary responsibilities include producing events that occur in the Draylen Mason Music Studio in collaboration with the Director of Events, event and venue support which involves booking events that utilize the state-of-the-art technology found in KMFA’s facilities, and interdepartmental support through various means such as assisting in the planning and execution of programs in the education and development departments. 

 

Outside of his duties at KMFA, he is an versatile trumpeter, music educator, and interdisciplinary collaborative artist who is active in the Austin music scene. He earned a master’s degree in trumpet performance studying under the tutelage of Dr. Amy Schendel at the University of Iowa and a bachelor of science degree in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

 

More information about Kenken and his artistic projects can be found at www.kenkengorder.com