Athens Celebrated As Music Friendly Texas Certified Community
April 10, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
AUSTIN – The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor today announced announced the City of Athens has been designated by the Texas Music Office (TMO) as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process. The Music Friendly Texas program, the first in the nation since introduced by TMO in 2016, seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities.
“Congratulations to the City of Athens on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to create good-paying jobs and boost economic growth.”
“Congratulations to Athens for this newest award and designation,” said Senator Robert Nichols. “Music has always been appreciated by the community, and I still recall attending a concert with Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings at the stadium. Best memories of music!”
“Proud to celebrate the City of Athens receiving its Music Friendly Texas designation from the State of Texas,” said Representative Keith Bell. “This recognition highlights the city’s commitment to supporting local artists, venues, and the vibrant music culture that brings the community together. Congratulations to Athens for earning this well-deserved designation and continuing to keep music alive in Texas!”
“The City of Athens has always valued music as a cultural asset,” said Mayor Aaron Smith. “This year, Athens will celebrate the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest. Musicians from all over the nation come to show their skills and compete against some of the very best. The Music Friendly Texas certification will be very meaningful to the citizens of Athens, verifying their long and continuing commitment to live music."
“Music is woven into the fabric of Athens, from the generations of musicians at the Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion to performances at the historic Texan Theater,” said Athens Old Fiddlers Foundation Board Member Traci Wilkes. “Being recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community celebrates our rich musical heritage and helps us carry that tradition into the future.”
The Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony, cohosted by TMO and the City of Athens, will be held on Saturday, April 18, during the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest. The certification ceremony will include city officials and community leaders, with TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro presenting the designation. TMO Program Specialist Steve Ray will also present a letter from Governor Abbott in celebration of the Old Fiddlers Reunion’s 95th anniversary.
Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony — Athens
Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 5:00pm
95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest
Henderson County Courthouse Square
100 East Tyler Street
Athens, Texas 75751
Inquiries may be directed to: Darin Hamm, Tourism and Marketing Manager, City of Athens, (903) 677-7483, dhamm@athenstx.gov
Athens is the 93rd Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. Learn more about the Music Friendly Texas program: gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities
The Texas Music Office in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor is the first and longest-running state music office in the nation. Since 1990, TMO has fostered the economic development of Texas music businesses, Texas musicians, and Texas communities. Since 2016, TMO has operated the first and only statewide Music Friendly Community Program in the nation, with an extensive network of more than 90 certified Music Friendly Texas community partners across the state
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) within the Office of the Governor is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas across the nation and around the world as the premier business location and travel destination. EDT works closely with communities and local, regional, and statewide economic development and tourism organizations, as well as partnering state agencies, to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work, and visit.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.