Houston Daily

The City of San Augustine has been recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO), Governor Greg Abbott announced. The certification follows San Augustine’s completion of a multi-step process intended to support economic development and job creation in music-related industries.

Governor Abbott stated, “Congratulations to the City of San Augustine on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to create good-paying jobs and boost economic growth.”

Representative Trent Ashby also praised the city: “Congratulations to the City of San Augustine on being designated a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. This well-deserved recognition highlights what we already know — San Augustine is a place where history, culture, and community come together in a way that is uniquely East Texas. By embracing the arts and creating new opportunities for musicians and local businesses, the city is strengthening its economy and enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. I’m grateful to Governor Abbott and the Texas Music Office for their partnership and proud to see our region continue to lead the way.”

San Augustine County Judge Jeff Boyd commented on local venues: “We are very excited to be designated a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. Music is the universal language for all. San Augustine has several venues that will be perfect locations for musicians to showcase their skills. Our central East Texas location, close proximity to Louisiana, and deep historical presence should give visitors additional reasons to come and visit.”

City of San Augustine Main Street Board Member Betty Oglesbee described available performance spaces: “We are so pleased to have earned the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. San Augustine has several public venues available for musical productions, including our historic Augus Theatre where the Smithsonian Exhibit was displayed, the freshly restored Cotton Gin Community Center with an inside stage and spacious room outside in Santa Fe Park for outdoor performances, and the soon-to-be completed high school with a state-of-the-art venue for productions of all types, including musical events. Additionally, the open-air pavilions available at Mission Dolores State Historic Site will be perfect for music-friendly sessions both large and small.”

A ceremony marking this achievement will take place on December 5 at 5:00 PM at the San Augustine County Courthouse Lawn Pavilion before San Augustine Main Street’s Lighted Christmas Parade. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the official designation.

San Augustine becomes the 91st community in Texas certified under this program since its inception in 2016 by TMO—the first statewide initiative of its kind aimed at connecting cities with resources supporting music industry growth (more information can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities). The TMO operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office as one of its longest-running divisions focused on fostering growth among music businesses across Texas.

Inquiries about participation or upcoming events may be directed to Shelby Curtis, Main Street Manager for San Augustine.