Governor Greg Abbott Announces Both Dripping Springs + Round Rock Have Been Certified By The TMO As Music Friendly Communities
The City of Dripping Springs and the City of Round Rock were both certified this month as Music Friendly Communities by Governor Greg Abbott, TMO Director Brendon Anthony, and Community Relations & Outreach Specialist Chip Adams. Texas music blues living legend Jimmie Vaughan was a surprise special guest at the Dripping Springs certification ceremony. Meanwhile, Ameripolitan music star Dale Watson headlined Round Rock's Music On Main show, which immediately followed the Round Rock Music Friendly Community certification ceremony.
The City of Dripping Springs Certified as a Music Friendly Community on April 28th
Governor Greg Abbott announced on April 28, 2021 that Dripping Springs, having completed the multi-step certification process, has been designated as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO). The Music Friendly Community program seeks to foster music business-related economic development in Texas cities and communities.
"The Dripping Springs area is well known for fostering musical talent as shown by a multitude of venues promoting live music, several recording studios, and our highly successful annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival," said Pam Owens, President and CEO of the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau. "The Texas Music Office will give us a way to reach, assist, and advocate for the great talent we have locally."
“Our area is full of local talent in an assortment of genres. We’re so well known as a music community that working toward this Music Friendly certification was a natural fit,” said Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds. “Artists are showcased at a variety of local businesses and venues every day of the week, plus we have a number of other industry professionals, a music school, and several recording studios. We love our local talent, and we’re extremely excited about being able to hold our Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival for the seventh year this October.”
Texas music / blues music living legend - and Dripping Springs resident - Jimmie Vaughan was a surprise guest at the certification ceremony, even grabbing his guitar from his truck to play a rotation as a ringer in the open mic night. Vaughan is just one of numerous artists and recording studios who call Dripping Springs home, including Ben Kweller, Israel Nash, recording engineer Tim Palmer, The Orb Recording Studios, and many more.
The City of Round Rock Certified as a Music Friendly Community on May 5th
Round Rock was officially certified as a Texas Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office on Wednesday, May 5, at Prete Plaza, 221 E. Main St.
Texas Ameripolitan music star Dale Watson headlined the city's Music On Main Concert Series immediately after the ceremony, and drew a crowd of more than 1,000 to the free concert in downtown Round Rock.
"As we focus on revitalizing all aspects of the Lone Star State — work, school, entertainment and culture — Texas is committed to working alongside music industry, business, and community leaders in Round Rock to ensure they have the knowledge and tools they need," Gov. Greg Abbott said. "Music is a big part of the Texas brand and our local economies, and I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities like Round Rock succeed."
Participation in the Texas Music Office's "Music Friendly Community" program provides Texas communities with a network for fostering music industry development, and sends a clear message to industry professionals that certified communities are serious about attracting and developing music industry growth.