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Texas Music Office

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TMO fosters the economic development of Texas music businesses, musicians, and communities. c. 1990.

The Texas Music Office in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism is the only state music office in the nation. Since 1990, TMO has fostered the economic development of Texas music businesses, Texas musicians, and Texas communities. TMO operates an extensive network of certified Music Friendly Texas community partners across the state, serves as a clearinghouse for Texas music industry information, acts as a liaison between music businesses and government offices, publicizes significant industry developments, and attracts essential music industry to the Lone Star State. A vibrant Texas music industry supports local job creation while drawing visitors from around the globe, attracting a talented workforce across industries, and supporting business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout the state.

10/31/2026

Have a Happy, Safe, and Spooky Halloween from The Texas Music Office!

The Texas Music Office’s Music Education & Community Program Grant, widely known as the License Plate Grant, supports music education and community-based music initiatives across Texas. Applications open October 5, 2026, and close December 7, 2026, offering Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations an opportunity to secure funding for eligible music-related projects. Grant awards range from $1,500 to $3,000 for approved projects with a duration of up to 12 months, helping nonprofits expand access to music education, strengthen community programs, and create meaningful musical experiences for Texans.

What makes this program especially unique is its funding source: proceeds from the sale of Texas Music specialty license plates go directly toward supporting the grant program. By purchasing these specialty plates, Texans help invest in music education and community initiatives throughout the state. Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to review the program requirements and prepare their applications ahead of the December 7 deadline. For application details, eligibility guidelines, and additional information, visit the Texas Music Office through the official Texas Music Office website: https://gov.texas.gov/music

10/30/2026

The Music Moves Mountains Foundation (MMMF) will host its annual benefit concert on Sunday, November 1, at Central Machine Works in Austin, featuring a special tribute to legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon in celebration of what would have been his 80th birthday. The event holds special significance for the foundation’s founder and her son, Hudson, who discovered Moon and The Who at age five and found a powerful personal connection through music. Now 20, Hudson will perform alongside acclaimed drummers Gregg Bissonette, Stephen Perkins, and Michael Jerome, backed by a lineup of Austin music legends celebrating The Who’s music and Moon’s enduring legacy. Moon’s daughter, Mandy, will attend as a special guest, while his grandson, Jack, created the event poster artwork. The tribute is supported by The Who and the Keith Moon estate, alongside sponsors including Zildjian, Vic Firth, KUTX 98.9, and the Austin Chronicle.

In keeping with MMMF’s mission to make music more accessible, the all-ages, family-friendly event will be free, with opportunities for donations, limited VIP reserved seating, sponsorships, and fundraising through a silent auction and raffle. Hosted on the outdoor stage at Central Machine Works, located at 4824 E. Cesar Chavez Street, the event will offer food, drinks, accessible parking, and designated seating, with doors opening at noon and the concert beginning at 4 p.m. Proceeds will support the Music Moves Mountains Foundation’s work to expand access to music therapy, music education, and community outreach. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MMMF uses the transformative power of music to improve quality of life and support musicians, individuals in need, and vulnerable communities.

Music Moves Mountains Foundation

10/29/2026

The BMI Acoustic Lounge returns to Saxon Pub in Austin on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:00–7:30 PM, offering a warm, songwriter-focused evening in the heart of South Lamar. The event is free and open to the public, spotlighting BMI’s emerging talent in an intimate, listening-room setting.

This month’s lineup features a diverse group of songwriters, including Pug Johnson, Eric Hisaw, Anna La Mare, Matthew Payne, Lucas Jagneaux, and Pierson Keating, each bringing their own style and story to the stage. The series itself, rebranded from the Saxon Songwriters Series in 2024, is part of BMI’s ongoing commitment to giving Austin’s songwriting community a platform to share new music and connect more deeply with fans.
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
The Saxon Pub

10/28/2026

The 2026 Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff will take place November 4–7 in Terlingua, Texas, bringing together chili enthusiasts, competitive cooks, music fans, and visitors for one of the state’s most iconic culinary traditions. Founded in 1967 by Frank X. Tolbert and Wick Fowler, the event celebrates authentic Texas chili culture with championship cooking, chili tastings, food competitions, vendors, camping, and a lively desert gathering. Hosted at 22970 FM 170, Terlingua, the four-day festival offers a blend of West Texas character, community, food, and live entertainment.

Live music will be a major highlight, with performances scheduled across all four days. The lineup includes Kathryn Legendre, Billy King and the Bad, Bad, Bad, Alejandro Escovedo, Sentimental Family Band, Gary P. Nunn, Los Pi**he Gringos, Keegan McInroe & Band, Mark David Manders, Victor Treviño Jr., The Tabasco Birds, Thomas Michael Riley, and The Droptines. From Texas country and Americana to rock and roots music, the performances will provide a soundtrack to the cookoff’s distinctive desert atmosphere. The event’s combination of competitive chili cooking, live music, and the rugged beauty of the Big Bend region makes it a signature annual gathering for locals and visitors alike.

Tolbert Terlingua Chili Group Information OTICCC

10/27/2026

Chip Adams, Director of the Texas Music Office, participated in the Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026, held September 29–October 1 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Representing Texas, Adams shared insights on the role of music offices in strengthening local music ecosystems, supporting creative communities, and advancing music-driven economic development. On September 30, he delivered a presentation entitled “Embedding Music In Local Strategy,” exploring how music can be integrated into broader local planning and development strategies. His presentation was part of a programme presented by the International Music Council focused on practical approaches to building stronger, more sustainable music communities.

Adams also joined the panel “From Care to Careers: Scaling Impact Through Music Offices,” presented by the Association of Music Offices (AMO) on October 1. Moderated by Reid Wick, Director of Regional Advocacy & Member Engagement at the Recording Academy, the panel featured Elizabeth Cawein, Founder and Executive Director of Music Export Memphis; Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Director of Cultural Tourism at the Dallas Music Office and AMO co-founder; and Adams, representing the Texas Music Office. The discussion examined successful programmes, policies, and practices that music offices are using to support artists, develop sustainable music careers, and strengthen local music economies. The session also highlighted the value of collaboration and shared best practices among music offices working to ensure music remains an integral part of community development.

The Alberta Music Cities Convention is organized by Sound Diplomacy, bringing together international music industry leaders, policymakers, and city representatives in Calgary to explore how music can drive economic development, cultural growth, and stronger local communities. Shane Shapiro, the founder of Sound Diplomacy, will be speaking at The Texas Sounds and Cities Conference in Dallas on November 6th.

10/26/2026

The Texas music community came together at historic Luckenbach Dance Hall on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to celebrate a major milestone as Fredericksburg was recognized as the 100th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. Hosted by the Texas Music Office and Visit Fredericksburg, the celebration honored the musicians, venues, businesses, and community leaders who help keep Texas music thriving. The designation recognizes Fredericksburg’s commitment to strengthening its local music economy, supporting music-related businesses, and creating opportunities for musicians throughout the Hill Country. The evening brought together music lovers and industry supporters to celebrate the power of music to unite communities and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Texas.

The festivities captured the unmistakable spirit of Luckenbach, featuring two-step dance lessons with Hill Country Two Step, followed by live performances from Kathryn Legendre and Theo Lawrence. It was a memorable evening celebrating the people and partnerships that make Texas music so special. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Lisa Olivera and her staff at Visit Fredericksburg; Kit, Linda, Jamie, and the staff at Luckenbach; Kathryn and Theo; Hill Country Two Step; and everyone who came out and shared this monumental occasion. Your support and enthusiasm helped make this milestone celebration truly unforgettable as we continue to celebrate and strengthen the Texas music community!

Visit Fredericksburg TX
Luckenbach Texas
Kathryn Legendre
Theo Lawrence
Hill Country Two Step

10/25/2026

Join the Dallas Music Office and the Texas Music Office for the 8th Annual Texas Sounds and Cities Conference, happening November 5-6, 2026, in Dallas!

Texas Sounds & Cities will bring together music industry leaders, artists, and city representatives to explore collaboration, music office development, and sustainable music ecosystems.

The first day at the Fairmont will feature welcome remarks from the Texas Music Office and J. Damany Daniel, a panel on “Building a Collaborative Ecosystem” with Chip Adams, Tami Thomsen, Edwin Cabaniss, and Dezi5, followed by a reception and live performances from Dallas Sounds Amplified artists at Manhattan B**r Project.

On the second day at the Longhorn Ballroom, sessions will examine music office structures and regional partnerships, the role of North Texas radio stations, creative healthcare through StageCare, and sustainable music infrastructure. The programme will also include Texas Music Office announcements, the presentation of the Stacy Keith Award, a segment from the American Association of Independent Music featuring Emmaline McCourt, and a keynote by Shain Shapiro, author of This Must Be the Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, followed by an evening concert featuring Paula Cole at the Kessler Theater.

Register at: https://us.eventsforce.net/rsnk7z/405/home

Dallas Sounds
Longhorn Ballroom & Backyard Amphitheater

10/24/2026

KING Sings for a Dream is calling all singer-songwriters ages 18 and older—including bands—to share their original music in an exciting competition supporting a meaningful cause. Participants are invited to submit a 1–4-minute video featuring their original work for a chance to win an incredible grand prize package: $2,000 in cash, an eight-hour recording session at King Electric Recording, a $250 Strait Music gift card, and a live performance at Antone’s Nightclub during the Holiday Hope Concert on December 4. Winners will have the opportunity to perform alongside other Austin musicians and young people connected with Kids in a New Groove.

The competition benefits KING Mentoring, which provides free music lessons to Central Texas youth connected with foster care, helping young people discover their creativity and build confidence through music. The submission deadline is October 31, but aspiring artists are encouraged to enter early\! Submissions received by October 20 will get a head start in the voting round and receive 20 free votes. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a band, this is a fantastic opportunity to share your talent, gain exposure, and make a difference through music. Learn more and submit your entry at https://kingsings.partnershipsforchildren.org

Kids In A New Groove

10/23/2026

The 48th Annual Granbury Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts returns October 24–25, 2026, bringing a weekend of art, music, shopping, and fall fun to the beautiful Historic Granbury Square in Granbury, Texas. Featuring more than 100 juried artists and artisans, the festival offers a diverse collection of original paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and unique handcrafted creations. Festival hours are Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can also enjoy delicious food, browse local vendors, and explore the Harvest Market at the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Educational Center. Best of all, admission is free!

Live music will keep the energy going throughout the weekend, with Luke Wade and YOUNGTONES headlining the Harvest Moon Masquerade Street Dance on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Music fans can also catch the Jarrett Isaacs Band at the Silver Saddle Saloon on Saturday evening from 8 to 11 p.m. Whether you're shopping for one-of-a-kind art, enjoying great food, dancing to live music, or simply soaking up the festive fall atmosphere, Granbury offers something for everyone. Gather your friends and family and make plans for a memorable weekend in this charming Texas town.

See you in Granbury this weekend!

Visit Granbury

10/22/2026

Mu***os Fest at Hemisfair returns to downtown San Antonio, Texas, October 24–25, 2026, for a vibrant, free celebration of Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead). Held at Hemisfair, 630 Nueva Street, the festival honors loved ones who have passed away through colorful community altars, cultural traditions, art, live music, dance, poetry, and delicious food. Saturday’s festivities run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., while Sunday’s schedule runs from noon to 9 p.m. Visitors can explore more than 80 altars, shop the Mu***os Mercado featuring local artists and artisans, enjoy family-friendly workshops, and experience two colorful processions. The Saturday procession begins at 7 p.m., followed by Sunday’s procession at 3 p.m.

The weekend’s musical lineup features an exciting mix of Texas, Tejano, Latin, and alternative sounds. Saturday’s performers include Grupo Metal featuring Chris Pérez, Girl in a Coma, Vanita Leo, Los Skarnales, and Santiago Jiménez Jr. Sunday’s scheduled acts include El Dusty & The Homies, Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs, Mariachi Las Alteñas, Campanas de América, Luna Tropical, and Volcán, along with a tribute to Augie Meyers. Please note that Michael Salgado, originally announced for Sunday, has postponed his upcoming performances while recovering from a stroke. We all wish Michael a speedy recovery. Check the official festival website for lineup updates. With five music stages, traditional dance performances, vibrant artwork, and meaningful tributes to loved ones, Mu***os Fest offers a memorable weekend celebrating San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage.

Mu***os Fest at Hemisfair

Address

1100 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX
78701

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm

Website

http://texasmusicoffice.com/, https://www.myplates.com/design/background/passenger/texas-music

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