Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Music Office (TMO) and the City of Irving will hold a Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Tuesday, September 30. The event will be available both virtually and in person at the Jack D. Huffman Community Building in Irving.

“Music is key to the Texas brand,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities across our great state develop creative partnerships and create new jobs. The Texas music industry accounts for 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31.7 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Working alongside local leaders like those in Irving, we will ensure Texas communities have the tools needed to succeed.”

Gini Mascorro, TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist, will attend the workshop to discuss the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation, its benefits, and answer questions from participants.

The Music Friendly Texas Certified Community program was launched by TMO in 2016 as the first initiative of its kind in the country. It helps communities build networks to support music industry development and signals their commitment to fostering growth within this sector. The upcoming workshop is Irving’s initial step toward certification; once certified, Irving would join more than 85 other cities across Texas that have already received this recognition.

Musicians, venue operators, and members of the public are invited to participate either in person or online. More information about the program can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities.

Questions regarding participation may be directed to Wendy Hartnett, Assistant Director for City of Irving Parks and Recreation.