Sometimes, music can express what words simply cannot. For people facing the end of life, a familiar song or a beautiful live performance can bring comfort, connection, and moments of joy.
Austin nonprofit Swan Songs is dedicated to creating those meaningful experiences, and its upcoming 16th annual Swan Songs Serenade invites the community to help keep the music playing.
We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Christine Albert, founder and CEO of Swan Songs, to share the inspiration behind the organization, the importance of its mission, and what guests can expect at this year’s fundraising celebration.
Watch the full video above to learn more about Swan Songs, its powerful mission, and how you can support the 16th annual Swan Songs Serenade!
We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Christine Albert, founder and CEO of Swan Songs, to share the inspiration behind the organization, the importance of its mission, and what guests can expect at this year’s fundraising celebration.
When music speaks louder than words
Music has an extraordinary ability to connect us with memories, emotions, and the people we love.
For individuals facing the end of life, those connections can be especially meaningful.
Swan Songs is an Austin-based nonprofit that arranges personalized live musical performances for people nearing the end of life, creating intimate experiences for recipients and their loved ones.
“Swan Songs is a nonprofit that fulfills musical last wishes,” Albert explained.
From mariachi and opera to bluegrass, jazz and country, each performance is tailored to the recipient’s musical preferences.
The organization also compensates participating musicians, supporting Austin’s creative community while providing these special experiences.
What began with just three concerts in 2005 has grown tremendously.
“Right now we’re getting close to 70 requests a month,” Albert said.
A mission born from a powerful moment
Albert’s inspiration dates back to 1992, when she was invited to perform for a longtime fan who was dying at just 40 years old.
His wife gathered friends, family and colleagues for the intimate concert, creating a moment of connection during an incredibly difficult time.
“I could tell how much it meant to his wife, to Denise, to be able to give him something like that and do something besides manage the pain and the grief,” Albert recalled.
That experience eventually inspired her to establish Swan Songs as a nonprofit in 2005.
An evening of music with a meaningful mission
The 16th annual Swan Songs Serenade brings supporters together for a special evening celebrating the organization’s work.
This year’s featured artist is Jon Muq, whose uplifting music and personal journey from Uganda resonated with Albert and the Swan Songs team.
“His music is very uplifting, and so we were really drawn to having him this year,” Albert said.
Guests can also enjoy music from Dave Madden and Oliver Steck, with longtime Austin television personality Judy Maggio serving as emcee.
The event is Swan Songs’ largest annual fundraiser, helping the organization continue fulfilling musical last wishes and compensating the professional musicians who bring those moments to life.
Austin nonprofit Swan Songs is dedicated to creating those meaningful experiences, and its upcoming 16th annual Swan Songs Serenade invites the community to help keep the music playing.
16th annual Swan Songs Serenade
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 6–10 p.m.
Where: The Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center
Featured artist: Jon Muq
Help keep the music playing
Funds raised through the Swan Songs Serenade help the organization continue arranging personalized musical experiences for individuals and families facing the end of life.
And even if you can’t attend the celebration, there are other ways to support its mission.
From making a donation to spreading awareness about its services, community involvement helps Swan Songs continue bringing meaningful musical moments to those who need them.
Visit SwanSongs.org to learn more about the nonprofit, explore ways to get involved, and find ticket information for the 16th annual Swan Songs Serenade.
Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give is a song.
Austin nonprofit Swan Songs is dedicated to creating those meaningful experiences, and its upcoming 16th annual Swan Songs Serenade invites the community to help keep the music playing.