Ancient Future is longest running musical organization dedicated exclusively to the mission of creating world fusion music. The term was coined by bandleader Matthew Montfort in 1978 to describe the band’s unusual blend of musical traditions from around the world. Billboard calls the group "trendsetters" for their early contributions to the movement. Over the years, Ancient Future has expanded its musical vision through collaborations with master musicians from more than two dozen countries, cultures, and traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large multinational music ensemble with many smaller ensembles within. Ancient Future has performed over a thousand shows worldwide, headlining Carnegie Recital Hall (New York City), Great American Music Hall (San Francisco), Hult Center for the Performing Arts (Eugene), Yoshi's (Oakland), Sangeetha Indian Music Concert Series (St. Louis). Ancient Future has performed live on national shows such as the Echoes Living Room Concerts on PRI and the Rachel Maddow Show. They have appeared festivals such as Spain's Festival Internacional de la Guitarra, Asian/Pacific Festival of Fortune, Northwest Regional Folklife Festival, Oregon Country Fair, Sand Harbor Jazz Festival, California WorldFest, San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, and the Summer of Love 30th Anniversary.