The Texas Music Office announced today that the Village of Salado, after completing the multi-step certification process, has been designated as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO). The Music Friendly Community program aims to foster economic development related to the music business in cities and communities across Texas. With support from TMO, the music industry in Texas has created more than 210,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs in communities across the Lone Star State and generated $27.3 billion in economic activity in the during the pre-pandemic year of 2019. TMO Certified Music Friendly Communities is serious about attracting and growing the local music industry to drive local job creation and economic growth.
The community celebration with live music and hosted by the Village of Salado and TMO is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Shady Villa Hotel Outdoor Pavilion, 416 S. Main Street, Salado. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Chip Adams will present the Music Friendly Community designation to Mayor Michael Coggin.
“The Village looks forward to embracing the title of Music Friendly Community and further strengthening Salado’s music industry by connecting and supporting musicians, songwriters, venues and vendors,” said Stacey Ybarra, Administrator deputy of the village of Salado. “Music industry stakeholders, the Salado Music Friendly Community Advisory Board and the Village of Salado are excited to work closely together to address opportunities and challenges to promote an already thriving local music industry. established, to attract talent from across the state, and to inspire visitors from everywhere to relax and enjoy the captivating sounds of Salado!”
“Salado has a long history of supporting music and the arts,” said Richard Paul Thomas, Salado Music Friendly Community Advisory Board Chair and musician/songwriter. “Being part of this statewide certification program opens new opportunities to expand and strengthen Salado’s commitment to music.”
“Being named an Official Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office only reinforces what we already know,” said David Seward, Vice Chairman of the Salado Music Friendly Community Advisory Board and Music Agent. “Salado is, and has been, a friend and advocate of the live music world. From our many talented local musicians to nationally touring artists, Salado loves live music! I believe this designation brings us a little closer to show that Salado is a destination and not just a quick stop on the way to another place.
“As a venue owner and board member, I’m excited about the potential for building partnerships with other music communities across the state,” said Advisory Council Board Member KD Hill. of the Salado music community and owner of a concert hall. “If this designation can help increase the diversity of musicians performing here and the opportunities for all musicians in the Village of Salado, it will be a good thing for the community.”
For more information on the Community Celebration on Tuesday, June 12, visit: facebook.com/SaladoMusicFriendly
For media inquiries, contact Stacey Ybarra, sybarra@saladotx.gov, 254-947-5060.
Salado joins over 30 other towns in Texas that have received official Music Friendly Community designation, joining Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Denton, Lindale, Stephenville, Conroe, San Angelo, Nacogdoches, Abilene, McKinney, Waxahachie, Waco, Alpine , Bastrop, New Braunfels, Victoria, Lubbock, Denison, Arlington, Brenham, Dripping Springs, Round Rock, El Paso, Odessa, Vidor, Grand Prairie, Port Aransas, San Marcos, Dallas, Bryan, McAllen and Wimberley. Houston is currently working on the certification process.
Learn more about the Texas Music Friendly Community program: gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities
