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This month, the eyes of the country and the world were on Texas after the devastating historic flooding around Central Texas. We continue to join in solidarity with Texans across the state for the families, communities, and businesses devastated by this tragedy. As true Texans, we stand together in times of hardship. In the face of these difficult times, the strength and resilience of Texans and of our Texas communities continues to shine through.
We'd like to direct all those interested in making a donation to the flood recovery fund, in support of all affected counties, to the Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund. Find information on disaster recovery and preparation resources for Texas communities and businesses here.
Thank you for your caring and support of our fellow Texans.
 Representatives from the Central Region of the Music Friendly Texas Communities Program
Music Friendly Texas Community Central Region Meeting
The Music Friendly Texas Community (MFT) Central Region Meeting was held on July 1, 2025, in Salado.
Held at the historic Salado Museum & College Park, the Central Region MFT meeting gathered artists, venue representatives, and community leaders for a full day of collaboration and inspiration. The day opened with live music by Richard Paul Thomas performing his original song, “SALADO.” TMO’s Gini Mascorro gave updates on the Music Friendly Texas program, as well as grant opportunities, highlighting the Music License Plate Grants that help fund local music initiatives. A special presentation by Chris Ermoian of Texas Music Café offered insight into leveraging media platforms to elevate Texas musicians. Attendees enjoyed lunch at Chupacabra Restaurant, using the time for group discussions around strengthening community and aligning local missions.
The afternoon featured a focused session on venue networking and introductions, followed by a key presentation from TMO Program Specialist Jaclyn Zapata on the Texas Music Incubator Rebate (TMIR) Program, encouraging participation from area venues to access this powerful funding tool. The meeting wrapped with a preview of the upcoming Texas Sounds & Cities event in Corpus Christi (Nov. 5–7), and more good networking at Bourbon Speaks. With shared insights, grant knowledge, and new connections, the Salado meeting reinforced the strength and unity of Central Texas’s growing music-friendly ecosystem.
The State of Texas Recognizes Texas Music Scene on 15 Years
The Texas Music Scene Independence Eve Party, held on July 3 at The Long Center in Austin, kicked off the Star-Spangled Fest with a powerful tribute to America’s veterans. The evening featured an all-star lineup headlined by Reckless Kelly and included performances by Jack Ingram, Alejandro Escovedo, Jason Boland, Lilly Hiatt, Kelly Willis, Calder Allen, Ellis Bullard, and Kat Hasty. As a special touch, the event served as a live taping for The Texas Music Scene TV show, adding extra energy and meaning to the celebration.
In honor of The Texas Music Scene’s 15th anniversary, Graham Weber and Steve Ray from the Texas Music Office presented host Jack Ingram and co-creator/producer Tony Gates with a letter of recognition from Governor Greg Abbott. They also received a Texas flag that had been flown over the State Capitol to mark the milestone. The presentation highlighted the show’s lasting impact on Texas music culture and added a heartfelt moment of recognition to a night dedicated to honoring veterans and celebrating Texas music.
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 L-R (Back) TMO’s Graham Weber, Commissioner District 2 - Daniel Nemecio Lopez, Commissioner District 1 - Ford Kinsley, Commissioner District 3 – Micheal Mezmar. (Front) Sylvia Arismendez, Cassandra Consiglio, Mayor Norma Sepulveda, TMO’s Gini Mascorro, Commissioner District 4 - Frank Morales
Harlingen Becomes the 87th Music Friendly Texas Community
On July 16, 2025, TMO’s Gini Mascorro (on behalf of Governor Greg Abbott) officially certified that the City of Harlingen has been designated a Music Friendly Texas Community by the Texas Music Office. As the 87th city in Texas to earn this honor, Harlingen joins a statewide movement supporting music-driven economic growth, job creation, and creative community building. This certification strengthens our commitment to fostering local talent and amplifying Harlingen’s rich cultural identity through music.
“Becoming a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community is about more than entertainment,” said Mayor Norma Sepulveda. “It’s about building identity, strengthening our economy, and uniting our community through the power of music.” With support from the Texas Music Office, Harlingen is now poised to attract more music-related industry, boost tourism, and provide new opportunities for artists and residents alike.
The Road Goes on Forever
TMO staff has been traveling all over our great state spreading the word about the Texas Music Incubator Rebate (TMIR) Program to venues and community members on the TMIR Texas Tour 2025. We are proud to announce that the TMIR was renewed for another $20.2 Million for the next biennium, and applications will open on September 1, 2025.
The TMIR Program provides eligible music venues and music festival promoters in Texas a rebate, up to $100,000, on the mixed-beverage gross receipts tax or sales tax on the sale of beer and wine the applicant paid in the previous fiscal year.
To help venue owners and festival organizers take full advantage of this support, the TMO (working with local Music Friendly Liaisons and city officials) is hosting in-person informational sessions across the state. These sessions offer a detailed overview of program eligibility, the application process, and critical documentation requirements. In July, sessions held in Salado, Edinburg, Harlingen, Brownsville, Lockhart, and Abilene included a walkthrough of the application process and eligibility criteria, with opportunities for Q&A directly with TMO staff.
Similar sessions are scheduled elsewhere in Texas, including upcoming events in New Braunfels, San Antonio, El Paso, Lubbock, and Amarillo tailored to local-area venue owners and festival promoters. Each session covers step-by-step instructions: how to apply via the TMIR portal and verify eligibility. Additionally, these sessions also provide time for local representatives to discuss upcoming music initiatives in the host community.
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