 Gina Chavez Performing a the Official Texas Music Showcase
Texas Artists Heat Up Montreal at Folk Alliance International
Texas Music was well represented on the international stage this past week at the Folk Alliance International Conference. Many artists from throughout the state traveled to Montreal to perform for fans and attendees from all corners of the music industry.
Austin's own Gina Chavez was the recipient of The People’s Voice Award, which is presented to an individual who embraces social and political commentary in their creative work and public careers.Chavez brought the house down when she was the headlining act of TMO’s Texas Music Official Showcase, following performances from SaulPaul, Amanda Pascali, Guy Forsyth, Stefan Prigmore, and Lost Patterns. The showcase was hosted by Jenny Inzerillo (Music Director - High Plains Public Radio )
TMO also supported and co-presented private showcases with the SWRFA – South West Regional Folk Alliance, and Austin based agency ComboPlate Booking.
We are already looking forward to an even larger Texas delegation next year when the conference will be held closer to home, in New Orleans.
 Photo by Brooks Burris
Texas Independence Day at The Longhorn Ballroom
March 2 marked the 189th anniversary of Texas becoming a republic independent from Mexico, a date that coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Longhorn Ballroom. The venue was, and is once again, a cornerstone for the Texas and national music scene. Edwin Cabaniss (who also owns the Kessler Theater and The Heights in Houston) brought this historic venue back to life a few years ago, and there are even bigger plans for the Longhorn in the future.
The occasion was billed as "The Jubilee Series" and is the first of five events that will take place throughout the year. This concert featured a fantastic mix of favorite Texas bands. The show was co-headlined by The Toadies and The Polyphonic Spree with support from Band of Heathens and The Texas Playboys.
Before The Toadies took the stage, TMO Director Chip Adams presented Cabaniss with an official proclamation from the State of Texas to honor the Longhorn Ballroom and its significance to Texas history.

Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair Heats Up San Antonio
The heart of San Antonio pulsated with Tejano beats as the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair 2025 at Hemisfair, March 14-16. The Texas Music Office was proud to sponsor one of the nation’s biggest annual Tejano events. The Fan Fair delivered an unforgettable experience for fans, bringing together top Tejano and Conjunto artists for three days filled with music, energy, and cultural pride. Music as fans gathered in the shadow of the Tower of the Americas, to witness dynamic performances across three stages and celebrated the rich heritage of Tejano music.
The festival featured unforgettable sets from an impressive lineup, including Siggno, Sunny Sauceda, Eddie Gonzalez, Gabriella Martinez, and Art Tigerina — just to name a few. The crowd danced, sang along, and reveled in the infectious rhythms, creating a powerful sense of unity and celebration.

Little Elm, Menard, Kilgore Music Friendly Communities / North Texas Regional Conference
In March, Certifications were presented to Little Elm, Menard, and Kilgore, proclaiming them the 75th, 76th, and 77th Music Friendly Communities respectively. The Music Friendly Texas program continues to grow with more communities to be certified in the upcoming months. In addition to certifications, the North Texas Regional Conference was held at The Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, bringing together representatives from Music Friendly Communities from throughout the region. The regional meetings enable communities to share ideas, and encourage communication to build stronger music ecosystems, culminating in Texas being the most music friendly state in the nation.
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