Texas Music Office gives Menard designation
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Feb. 27 that the Texas Music Office designated the City of Menard as a 'Music Friendly Texas Certified Community.'
According to the Office of the Texas Governor, the City of Menard was given the designation 'after completing the multi-step certification process.' The Music Friendly Texas program was introduced by the Texas Music Office in 2016 and 'seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities.'
'Music Friendly Texas Communities work tirelessly to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth,' Abbott said. 'In fact, with support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31.7 billion in annual economic activity statewide.'
To celebrate the designation, a Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, at Club Victoria, located at 806 Frisco Ave. The event will be cohosted by the Texas Music Office and the Menard County Chamber of Commerce, and Texas Music Office Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the designation.
Texas Senator Charles Perry expressed his pride in the community of Menard, which falls in his district.
'I'm proud to represent Menard — a community whose rich musical heritage and unyielding spirit set the standard for Texas excellence,' said Senator Charles Perry. 'This Music Friendly Texas certification is a resounding tribute to my constituents' talent and hard work, fueling our state's vibrant cultural economy.'
Menard Mayor Barbara Hooten said that music is part of the way of life in her town, so much so that construction is underway for a new outdoor stage at a park.
'Menard is a small town filled with incredibly talented musicians and vocalists who perform locally as well as in surrounding towns,' Hooten said. 'Music and dancing are intrinsic to our celebrations and cultural experiences, including the River Rat Concert, Spanish Colonial Historical Day, our Christmas Choir, A Country Christmas, and the list goes on.'
Cherry Swindall, executive director of the Menard Chamber of Commerce, shared how the designation will impact the city.
'We are growing our live music scene and making our community a place for people to come listen to local artists as well as big name bands,' Swindall said. 'This certification lets artists and other communities alike know that we are serious about welcoming live music to our town.'
Sarah Jannett Johanson, Artist Initiative of Menard co-founder and Summerland Public House co-owner, said that the designation is a natural next step for the community as it continues to develop.
'Menard has a rich history in music and the arts as a whole, currently providing a hometown to more than a handful of career musicians, songwriters, and an award-winning high school music program,' Johanson said. 'It is only natural that our community would seek a Music Friendly Texas certification at the state level as we move into the future and continue to grow in how we support music here.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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