 (L-R) TMO Director Chip Adams, Natalie Bowling, Matt Mandrella, Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Julia Heath
Texas Bringing Music Offices Together In NYC
The Texas Music Office (TMO) curated and presented a panel at A2IM IndieWeek in New York City on June 9 titled Inside America’s Music Offices: Models, Missions & Impact. Moderated by TMO Director Chip Adams, the session explored the diverse ways music offices are structured across the United States, including state government divisions, municipal agencies, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), and independent nonprofit organizations. The discussion highlighted how these different governance models influence the services, advocacy, and opportunities available to independent artists, labels, and music industry professionals.
Panelists included Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Director of Cultural Tourism and the Dallas Music Office at Visit Dallas; Matt Mandrella, Music Officer for the City of Huntsville Music Office; Natalie Bowling, Assistant Director of Music Programs & Services for the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture; and Julia Heath, Policy & Outreach Manager for the New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy. Together, they provided attendees with practical insights on engaging with local music offices, understanding the intersection of policy and promotion, and recognizing why organizational structure matters in supporting and advancing the independent music sector. The panel also discussed the launch of the Association of Music Offices (AMO), a new organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and cooperation among state and municipal music offices to better serve and strengthen music communities across the nation.
Make Music Day in 21 Texas Communities
Make Music Day Texas 2026 brought communities together across the Lone Star State on June 21, with 21 participating Texas cities hosting hundreds of free performances, workshops, and interactive music experiences as part of the worldwide summer solstice celebration. Coordinated through the Texas Music Office and local community partners, the event showcased the diversity of Texas music culture while encouraging participation from musicians of all ages, skill levels, and genres. Cities across the state transformed parks, downtown districts, libraries, businesses, and public spaces into stages for live music, reinforcing Texas’ reputation as a global music destination.
Notable activations included Houston’s citywide performances and community music-making events, Laredo’s multi-venue celebration featuring workshops, drum circles, and performances throughout the downtown cultural district, and San Antonio’s daylong programming along San Pedro Creek with sing-alongs, karaoke, drum circles, and a Local Music Spotlight stage. Frisco hosted pop-up performances, a playable floor piano, and its Community Keys public art piano project, while Buda, Waco, San Marcos, Tyler, New Braunfels, South Padre Island, and other participating communities activated local venues with concerts, lessons, and collaborative music experiences. Together, these events highlighted the creativity and economic impact of the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community network and demonstrated how music can bring residents and visitors together in every corner of the state.
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 (L-R) Steven Garcia (Executive Director, Midland County Horseshoe), Troy Briggs, (Vice President and Director, Visit Midland), Mayor Lori Blong, Gini Mascorro (TMO) Evan Thomas (President and CEO - Midland Chamber of Commerce), Jennifer Quintela (Sports Sales Manager - Visit Midland), Modi Ramos (Communications and Community Relations - Visit Midland) Photo: Reiah Brown
Midland Certified as a Music Friendly Texas Community
On June 10, 2026, Midland was officially designated as the 95th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, joining a growing statewide network of cities committed to supporting and developing their local music economies. The certification recognizes Midland’s efforts to foster a vibrant music ecosystem through collaboration among local government, businesses, venues, musicians, and community stakeholders. As a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, Midland gains access to resources and best practices designed to strengthen music-related economic development, attract visitors, and create new opportunities for local artists and industry professionals.
The certification was presented by Texas Music Office (TMO) Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro during a special ceremony attended by local leaders, music advocates, and community members. Midland’s designation reflects the city’s dedication to leveraging music as a tool for cultural enrichment and economic growth while enhancing its quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By earning this recognition, Midland joins communities across Texas that are using music to support workforce development, tourism, and community engagement, further solidifying Texas’ position as a global leader in music and creative industries.
 (L-R) TMO's Stephen Ray, Angela Peña, Jim Bucek (Photo: D. Wheat)
TMO in Arlington Supporting Levitt Pavilion
Levitt Pavilion Arlington launched its inaugural Texas Made Songs: Singer-Songwriter Night on June 19, 2026, introducing a new program designed to expand the venue’s artistic offerings while celebrating the rich traditions of Texas songwriting. The free community event featured acclaimed Americana-folk duo Dawn and Hawkes as the evening’s headliner, with Texas Country artist Tony Pierce serving as special guest and emerging performer Ellison Wren highlighted through the Levitt Youth Spotlight program. A vendor market complemented the musical performances, creating a festive atmosphere that showcased local creativity and community engagement.
The event was made possible through support from the Texas Music Office (TMO) via the Texas Music License Plate Grant Program, which helps fund projects that promote Texas music, tourism, and cultural development. TMO Program Specialist Stephen Ray addressed attendees during the evening, sharing information about the agency’s efforts to support Texas musicians, music businesses, and communities. As the first installment of the Texas Made Songs series, the event demonstrated the power of singer-songwriters to connect audiences with the stories, traditions, and diverse musical heritage that make Texas a globally recognized music destination.
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