Over 375 fans danced and cheered at the Amplify 817 Showcase on August 17. Featuring four diverse Amplify artists—Gr4nt, Bencjones, Averi Burk, and Cut Throat Finches, the concert was a huge success and will be the first of an annual event. 

The idea for the showcase came from Council Member Elizabeth Beck, who saw the potential for a big event and a gathering of people who love local music at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium.

What began to document local music, Amplify, has created a community of musicians and their growing fanbases. Amplify 817 is a music streaming platform presented by the Fort Worth Public Library that exclusively showcases local Fort Worth musicians. The platform features albums by lesser-known and up-and-coming musicians, curated by a group of community jurors and is free to use—even without a library card—at amplify817.org. Artists are paid $300 upfront to license their music for three years.

“Amplify is a network of people that really understand the importance of local musicians. Ever since I was accepted into the program, I’ve gotten a lot more fans, I’ve connected with music people I thought I would never connect with, and a lot of times, doing events for Amplify leads to something else. I feel appreciated.”

Elise Amara, Amplify 817 Artist

Launched in February 2020, the Amplify platform has 66 artists and is growing. In addition to streaming music, the Library has developed strong relationships with venues like Tulips Fort Worth, who regularly schedule Amplify artists.

Musicians are also given opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship and media training, and some are employed by the Library to provide basic virtual and in-person music instruction to patrons.

Amplify 817 partners with Hear Fort Worth and is supported financially by donors to the Library Foundation. Submissions for the next round of Fort Worth artists will be open in January.

To learn more or to partner with us on this amazing program, please visit fwplf.org/programs/amplify-817.