KUTX returns Rock the Park to Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater for 16th season

March 30, 2026

KUTX opened the 16th season of Rock the Park at Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater this past Friday, delivering a lineup meant to welcome attendees of all ages. The series drew families and music fans to outdoor sets that combined acts aimed at young children with later performances selected from KUTX playlists.

Assistant Program Director Jacquie Fuller started the program roughly ten years ago after noticing a gap in offerings for middle-aged Austinites and caregivers. Fuller said she wanted a program where parents, guardians and kids could enjoy live music together and where listeners who might not otherwise engage with the scene could connect with local artists.

Fuller works with live music booker Deidre Gott to assemble the bills, prioritizing Austin musicians while occasionally including artists from other Texas cities. Shows typically feature family-friendly acts early, and end with a performer chosen from KUTX’s curated playlist, a format the station uses to spotlight hometown talent and to give audiences an authentic Austin live-music experience.

Local indie-pop band Dorio played the opening night set, and members described tangible benefits from the station’s focus on area artists. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Rascoe said KUTX’s promotion and programming make it easier for bands to reach neighbors and listeners who care about local music, a level of exposure she finds rare in other cities.

Bandmate and vocalist Chad Doriocourt said live shows at community events also serve as practical feedback sessions. He explained that the group records and writes most of their material themselves, and performing for intimate crowds helps them gauge which parts of a song land, while meeting other musicians can lead to collaborations that expand how their tracks come together in the studio.

Fuller emphasized that Rock the Park aims to create a welcoming space for both audiences and performers, and that one of KUTX’s goals is to bolster Austin’s music economy by connecting residents to local music. The series continues this season with additional family-oriented dates at the Mueller amphitheater, offering repeated opportunities for community members to discover and support area artists.