The City of Bandera has been officially certified as a Music Friendly Texas Community, Gov. Greg Abbott announced this week, following completion of a multi-step approval process by the Texas Music Office.
The city becomes the 85th in the state to receive the designation, which aims to strengthen local economies by supporting music industry job creation and cultural tourism.
The certification ceremony will be held Saturday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Bandera Middle School, 1005 Cherry St. The event, cohosted by the Texas Music Office and the Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will coincide with the opening of the Smithsonian’s “Crossroads: Changes in Rural America” traveling exhibit. Bandera is one of only seven Texas cities selected to host the exhibit. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the certification during the ceremony, which will include local officials and community leaders.
“Congratulations to the City of Bandera on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” Abbott said in a statement. “Music Friendly Texas Communities work tirelessly to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to build a stronger, more prosperous Texas.”
Launched in 2016, the Music Friendly Texas program was the first of its kind in the nation. It now includes more than 80 communities across the state.
State Sen. Pete Flores called the recognition a celebration of Bandera’s long musical history.
“This recognition not only celebrates Bandera's rich musical heritage but also highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth through the arts,” Flores said. “Music has always been the heartbeat of our community, and this designation will help us attract more visitors and support our local musicians. I look forward to seeing how this honor will elevate Bandera as a vibrant destination for music lovers and contribute to the cultural fabric of Texas.”
Rep. Wes Virdell echoed the sentiment, saying, “The designation affirms what has been true for years. This is a well-deserved honor and ensures the continued success and music tradition of Bandera with this certification.”
Local leaders also shared their enthusiasm.
“Bandera deserves this honor because of its musical past and its current vibrant music scene,” said Mayor Denise Griffin. “Notes and tunes are ingrained in the fiber of this town. We are definitely a Music Friendly Texas Community.”
“Music has always been a cornerstone of Bandera since the 1920s,” said City Council member and Bandera Economic Development Corporation member Debbie Breen. “I grew up going to open air dances after the rodeos, the Cabaret on Friday and Saturday nights listening to all the rising stars of country music, and Tuesday night dances at the Mayan’s ghost town with Adolph Hofner and the Pearl Wranglers, or just sitting under the oak trees listening to young musicians mastering their craft. Pick your genre. You can still hear live music almost every night in Bandera, and it has always been that way. Music is the beating soul of this town.”
Dianne Lindig Lovett, board member for the Bandera Convention & Visitors Bureau and owner of Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, highlighted Bandera’s long-standing venues and country music legacy.
“Ever since the Fox Hole opened as a ‘social club’ in 1921, Bandera’s rich live music history has thrived, from the nationally popular acts who once played at the Cabaret, Silver Spur Club, Starlight, and others, to Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar — in continuous operation for 57 years and recognized as a ‘Texas Treasure,’” Lindig Lovett said. “Live music venues in our community have continued this legacy forward, making Bandera one of the most popular small-town communities and destinations for enjoying live country and western music, both past and present.”
Liz Cox, manager at Bandera Brewery, praised the town’s ongoing support for musicians and grassroots performance spaces.
“As a resident and business owner, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible passion, talent, and dedication our community has for music and the arts,” Cox said. “From grassroots performances at community events to live music in local venues, Bandera has consistently supported musicians and music lovers alike. Bandera is a community that recognizes the power of music to unite people, enrich lives, and drive economic growth.”
The Texas Music Office, part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, is the first and longest-running state music office in the nation. Since 1990, the TMO has supported the growth of Texas music businesses and artists. According to the office, the state’s music industry generates more than $31 billion in annual economic activity and supports 196,000 permanent jobs.
For more information about the Music Friendly Texas program, visit gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities.
For ceremony or local event details, contact Patricia Moore, executive director of the Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau, at 830-796-3045 or [email protected].
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