The City of San Augustine has been officially recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO), following the completion of a multi-step certification process. The Music Friendly Texas program, established in 2016, aims to support economic development and job creation related to the music industry across Texas communities.
Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the economic impact of the state’s music sector, stating: “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 commented on the designation: “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 expressed enthusiasm about local venues available for musical events: “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 detailed some performance spaces available in town: “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 certification will take place on Friday, December 5 at 5:00 PM at San Augustine County Courthouse Lawn Pavilion before San Augustine Main Street’s Lighted Christmas Parade. The event will include participation from city officials as well as TMO’s Gini Mascorro.
San Augustine becomes one of more than 80 certified partners across Texas through this program—the first statewide initiative of its kind since it began operating out of TMO in 2016.
The TMO itself operates within Governor Abbott’s Economic Development & Tourism Office; it was founded in 1990 as America’s first dedicated state-level office focused on fostering growth among music businesses, artists, and communities throughout Texas.
