Austin’s music scene is always evolving, and a new community series is bringing a unique Brazilian tradition to the city — while inviting everyone to pick up an instrument, join in, and become part of the music.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner spoke with Julie Koidin, flutist with Caros Amigos and director of the new Austin Choro Club, about bringing the joyful sounds of Brazilian choro music to Austin and creating a space where musicians and non-musicians can connect.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner spoke with Julie Koidin, flutist with Caros Amigos and director of the new Austin Choro Club, about bringing the joyful sounds of Brazilian choro music to Austin and creating a space where musicians and non-musicians can connect.
The Austin Choro Club is a community music group where anyone can participate — whether they play an instrument, sing, add percussion, or simply want to experience the music.
Julie explained that choro is a traditional Brazilian music style that dates back to the late 1800s and is often described as Brazil’s version of ragtime. The genre combines improvisation, rhythm, and collaboration, creating a sound that feels both energetic and deeply connected.
The Austin Choro Club is a community music group where anyone can participate — whether they play an instrument, sing, add percussion, or simply want to experience the music.
For Julie, discovering choro completely changed her life. After receiving a CD featuring two famous Brazilian flutists, she was inspired to dive deeper into the genre. She has since traveled to Brazil 24 times, studying and performing with some of the country’s most respected choro musicians.
Julie shared that she hopes to continue spreading choro beyond Brazil and introduce more people to this meaningful part of Brazilian culture.
The Austin Choro Club will launch a monthly residency at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, happening every third Saturday from 1–3 p.m. During the first hour, Julie’s group Caros Amigos will perform live choro music, followed by the “Choro Circle,” where anyone is welcome to join and play.
For Julie, discovering choro completely changed her life. After receiving a CD featuring two famous Brazilian flutists, she was inspired to dive deeper into the genre. She has since traveled to Brazil 24 times, studying and performing with some of the country’s most respected choro musicians.
The Choro Circle, known as a “roda de choro” in Portuguese, is a Brazilian tradition where musicians gather together in a circle and create a conversational style of music through collaboration and improvisation.
Julie explained that the experience is similar to Irish music sessions, where musicians communicate through the music and take turns sharing solos. She says the goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels encouraged to participate.
After moving to Austin, Julie says she was inspired by the city’s strong sense of community and believes choro fits naturally into Austin’s music culture.
“This is a very communal music,” Julie shared, explaining why she feels the Austin Choro Club is the perfect addition to the city’s creative scene.
Whether you are an experienced musician or someone who simply loves discovering new sounds, the Austin Choro Club offers a chance to experience Brazilian culture, connect with others, and be part of something new.
The first event takes place Saturday, July 18th, from 1–3 p.m. at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit Caros Amigos Music or Austin Choro Club online.
The first event takes place Saturday, July 18th, from 1–3 p.m. at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches. For more information and ways to get involved, visit Caros Amigos Music or Austin Choro Club online.