
Rene Martinez
Five years ago, a spark was lit in Fort Worth, and its music scene hasn't been the same since.
It all started with just four artists: Lou CharLe$, Gollay, Jack Barksdale, and Taylor Pace. That February of 2020 felt uncertain for many reasons, but Amplify 817 emerged as a bold initiative under the Fort Worth Public Library to showcase and uplift local music. It wasn't about selling tickets or cramming concert halls — it was about connection, community, and celebrating the sounds of Fort Worth.
Fast-forward to 2024, and that modest roster has swelled to over 100 artists, representing a kaleidoscope of genres and styles that could only emerge from a city as eclectic and vibrant as Cowtown. Amplify 817 isn’t just a library project anymore; it’s a full-blown movement.
Rita Alfaro, the mastermind behind the Amplify 817 program, exudes the same passion as the artists she supports. As a music librarian, she’s both curator and conductor, orchestrating a program that’s grown far beyond its original vision.
“We started off with four artists — just a sample of what we were trying to do,” Alfaro reflects. “And then it was just growing, growing, growing. We get about 20 new people every year. Now, we’re around 110 artists.”
Amplify 817 is more than just a platform; it’s a living archive, offering free streaming and downloads of music from artists who call Fort Worth home. The project doesn't ask for royalties, just permission to host the music for three years — a licensing model that respects the artists’ rights while giving them visibility and support.
“It’s important to us that we pay the artists,” Alfaro says firmly. “You can’t pay rent with exposure. We look at each artist or group of artists as a business. So we do our best monetize what we can to help them out."
The submission process for Amplify 817 might seem daunting to a newcomer. Twice a year, artists submit their work, which is reviewed by Alfaro and a panel of curators from the local music scene; who are all volunteers.
“We get everything from seasoned professionals to 19- and 20-year-olds who are just starting out,” Alfaro says. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as walking someone through how to fill out a W-9.”
This hands-on approach has helped many artists navigate the complexities of sharing their music in a professional setting. Once accepted, the artists aren’t just part of a catalog — they’re part of a family and emerging roster of local troubadours.
Amplify 817 also hosts events like the "Amped Up" concert series and the annual August 17th showcase, creating real-world opportunities for its artists to connect with fans. The library itself often transforms into an unconventional venue, hosting everything from intimate acoustic sets to full-on rock shows.
The past few years haven’t been without challenges. Venue closures, such as Lola’s and The Post, sent shockwaves through Fort Worth’s live music scene. But Amplify 817 proved to be a lifeline, offering artists visibility and support during uncertain times.
“We had some artists reach out, just grateful that they were still being seen,” Alfaro says. “And it’s opened up opportunities for new spaces to host music. Fort Worth is finding its own version of South by Southwest (SXSW), with unconventional venues popping up all over.”
As Amplify 817 approaches its fifth birthday on February 14, 2025, its momentum shows no signs of slowing. With over 100 artists and a growing reputation in the community, the program is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives to transform a cultural landscape.
For Alfaro, the success of Amplify 817 isn’t measured in numbers or accolades but in the relationships forged and the music shared.
“This isn’t just a program — it’s a celebration of Fort Worth’s creativity,” she says. “We’re not just curating music; we’re amplifying lives.”
And five years in, it’s clear that Amplify 817 has struck the perfect chord.
Discover the sounds of Fort Worth at Amplify817.org. Whether you're streaming a local legend or downloading tracks from the next big thing, you're not just hearing music — you’re hearing Fort Worth.