 (L-R) Antone's Owner Will Bridges, TMO Director Chip Adams (Photo: Aaron E. Martinez)
Antone's Nightclub Honored on 50th Anniversary
The 2025 Austin Blues Festival, held on April 27 at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, celebrated the rich legacy of blues music in Austin. The festival featured a stellar lineup, including Mavis Staples, Jackie Venson, and the Antone's 50th Anniversary All-Star Jam, which brought together blues legends like Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. The event honored the enduring influence of Antone's Nightclub, founded by Clifford Antone in 1975, and its pivotal role in shaping Austin's music scene.
During the festival, Chip Adams, Director of the Texas Music Office (TMO), read a certificate of recognition from the State of Texas and signed by Governor Greg Abbott to the crowd and the dedicated staff of Antone's, and presented it to owner Will Bridges. This gesture underscored the state's recognition of Antone's contributions to Texas' cultural and musical heritage and highlighted the club's 50-year legacy and its significant impact on both local and national music scenes, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Austin's live music culture.
Legendary Texas Songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore Marks It 80
Jimmie Dale Gilmore, the renowned Texas singer-songwriter, celebrated his 80th birthday with a special concert titled “Jimmie Dale Gilmore Marks It 80” on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. The event featured Gilmore performing with the West Texas Exiles, alongside an impressive lineup of special guests, including Dave Alvin, Butch Hancock, Carrie Rodriguez, Kelly Willis, Jo Harvey Allen, Terry Allen, Rosie Flores, Bill Kirchen, John Doe, The Whitmore Sisters, Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris, and others. Proceeds from the concert benefited the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) and the SIMS Foundation, organizations dedicated to providing healthcare and mental health support for Austin's music community.
Texas Music Office’s Graham Weber presented Gilmore with a certificate of recognition from the State of Texas and signed by Governor Abbott for his contributions to the music industry, for his Texas roots, and as a prominent figure deserving of such an honor. Gilmore was born in Amarillo on May 6,1945, raised in Lubbock, and has called the greater Austin area home for many years.
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East Regional Music Friendly Communities Conference in Galveston
On Friday, May 2, Galveston proudly hosted the Music Friendly Texas – East Regional Meeting, welcoming industry professionals, educators, and community leaders to a full day of collaboration and cultural exploration. The event, organized by Visit Galveston’s Dave Baca, kicked off with breakfast and introductions at Park Board Plaza, followed by a comprehensive overview of the Galveston Music Advisory Council (GMAC) and Texas Music Office (TMO) initiatives presented by Gini Mascorro and Jaclyn Zapata. Attendees then embarked on a tour of Fanfare Lutheran Academy, where music educator June Collins-Pulliam led a discussion on music education, culminating in a performance from Fanfare pupil Kelaiah White. The group continued on to The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe for an oral history of the club and conversation with local musicians Sam and Kimberly Barker, and then visited the historic The Grand 1894 Opera House to explore Galveston’s rich legacy with Executive Director Maureen Patton.
The afternoon featured a tour and talk at the Galveston Unscripted Studio, where JR Shaw offered insights into podcasting and local history as a promotional tool for the arts. At Saengerfest Park, Will Wright discussed the potential of non-traditional venues in supporting live music. The day concluded at Hotel Lucine with a conversation led by promoter Dave Jacoby, followed by the highlight of the evening: the La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival. The regional meeting showcased Galveston’s commitment to nurturing its music ecosystem and its role as a dynamic hub for the creative industries in Texas.
 Dana Lodge (CVB & Events Director at City of Garland), Garland Mayor Scott LeMay, Steve Ray and Gini Mascorro (Texas Music Office), Eric Nadel (Radio Voice of Texas Rangers Baseball) (Photo by Andrew Sherman)
Garland Celebrates 50th Anniversary of "Red Headed Stranger" and Becomes a Certified Music Friendly Texas Community
On May 17, 2025, Garland, Texas, commemorated the 50th anniversary of Willie Nelson's groundbreaking album Red Headed Stranger, a pivotal work in country music history recorded at Autumn Sound Studio (now Audio Dallas) in 1975. The celebration featured a diverse array of events across downtown Garland, beginning with the "Red Headed Stranger" Fringe Concert Series, where local artists such as Angel White, Nathan "Mongol" Wells, and Remy Reilly performed at venues like Intrinsic Brewery and Dead Wax Records. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore a special exhibit showcasing Willie Nelson memorabilia from The Wittliff Collections and take photos with Nelson's original tour bus, "Honeysuckle Rose."
The highlight of the day's festivities was the tribute concert at the Granville Arts Center, featuring performances by Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel), Rhett Miller (Old 97’s), Joshua Ray Walker, and Max & Heather Stalling. Accompanied by The Band of Strangers, led by producer John Pedigo, the artists recreated the songs of Red Headed Stranger and shared personal stories about the album's impact on their careers and its significance to Garland's musical heritage. The event also marked Garland's official certification as a Music Friendly Texas Community by the Texas Music Office's Gini Mascorro and Stephen Ray, recognizing the community’s contribution to the state's rich musical landscape.
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 SIMS Founding Member Alejandro Escovedo accepts a letter of recognition from Governor Greg Abbott presented by TMO’s Graham Weber (Photo: Greg Keilin)
SIMS Foundation Receives Letter of Recognition from Governor Abbott for 30 Years of Service to the Austin Music Community
The SIMS Foundation marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant celebration at Empire Control Room & Garage in Austin on May 18. The event featured performances by renowned artists such as Fastball, Heartless Bastards, Quiet Company, and Nakia & the Never Not Now, among others. Attendees enjoyed interactive experiences, including live screen printing, photo booths, and testimonial booths, where individuals shared their experiences with the SIMS Foundation.
The significance of the occasion was underscored by official recognitions from both the City of Austin and the State of Texas. Austin City Council Member Jose Velasquez delivered a proclamation honoring the SIMS Foundation's enduring impact on the community. Additionally, the event received support from the City of Austin Economic Development Department. The foundation's work was further acknowledged by the State of Texas with a certificate of recognition signed by Governor Abbott and presented by TMO’s Graham Weber, highlighting the foundation’s dedication to providing mental health and substance use recovery services to Austin's music industry professionals and their families.
 TMO’s Steve Ray and Jim Luna (Photo Katie Britt)
Tejano Promoter Jim Luna Honored
for Lifetime of Work in the Music Industry
On May 7, 2025, the Tejano music community gathered to honor Jim Luna, a local hero recognized for his exceptional service and valor. The ceremony, held at the Lake Jackson Civic Center, was a heartfelt tribute to Luna's contributions and dedication. Attendees included family, friends, and fellow community members who celebrated his achievements and the positive impact he has had on the area. The event featured speeches highlighting Luna's commitment to service and his role in strengthening the community's bonds.
During the ceremony, TMO’s Steve Ray honored him with a certificate of recognition from the State of Texas and signed by Governor Abbott, underscoring his exemplary efforts and the significance of his work. These accolades reflect Luna's dedication and the high regard in which he is held by both local and state officials. The event served as a reminder of the importance of community service and the lasting impact of individuals who go above and beyond for the betterment of others.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Mr. Luna continued his good work at the Pasadena Fairgrounds with La Fiebre Fest celebrating 40 years of the iconic band.
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