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​AlpenFolk was formed as an Austrian style folk duet in 1987 by Thomas Tilton and Corinne Pflug-Tilton. Now a quartet, Thomas plays the traditional steirische Harmonika, or button accordion, while Cori contributes the lovely ring of the hammered dulcimer. Their son, Peter steals the show with fine guitar work, rhythm instruments and vocals. Completing the ensemble is the talented Robert Baumann on string bass and vocals. The combination of these folk instruments, along with traditional vocals and yodeling, gives AlpenFolk a uniqueness and authenticity rarely enjoyed outside of the alpine regions from which their music is drawn.

Austria Club of Washington is a non-profit organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, USA. The Austria Club of Washington was founded in 1976 thanks to the dedicated efforts of ten, Austria born immigrants. They were: Inge Waltz, Alma Kramer, Maria Highton, Bill and Trude Leimer, Fritz and Grete Duchon, Otto and Heide Waniczek, Alex and Trude Schwarz. The first meeting was held at the Camlin Hotel in Seattle, on February 26, 1976. Inge Waltz became the club’s first president. The club functions under the direction of an elected board, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and several trustees. In addition, the club forms various committees to plan and organize various social events, manage special projects, recruit new members, publish a newsletter, handle telephone calls, maintain contact with other ethnic groups and fulfill “sunshine lady” responsibilities.

In recent years more and more Austrians are moving to the Pacific Northwest, mostly younger, highly talented professionals, recruited by one of the Tech giants in town. To connect Austrians living here and to serve their needs according to their interest and age, new forms of community platforms have emerged. This is exciting, and it is important to support these efforts so that every Austrian living in the Pacific Northwest feels connected and included. These different groups help provide attractive and effective choices of social and professional connections, geared to different interests. Please see flyer of a summary of the diverse Austrian Groups and organizations in the Pacific Northwest.