The City of San Augustine has been officially recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, according to an announcement by Governor Greg Abbott. This designation comes after the city completed a multi-step certification process led by the Texas Music Office (TMO). The Music Friendly Texas program was established in 2016 and is designed to support economic growth and job creation related to the music industry in cities across Texas.
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 added, “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 said, “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.”
Betty Oglesbee, Main Street Board Member for San Augustine, noted some of the city’s available venues: “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 the San Augustine County Courthouse Lawn Pavilion prior to San Augustine Main Street’s Lighted Christmas Parade. The event will include city officials as well as community leaders.
San Augustine becomes the 91st community in Texas recognized under this program. More information about this initiative can be found at gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities.
The TMO operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office. Since its establishment in 1990, TMO has focused on supporting music-related businesses throughout Texas. Its statewide network now includes over 80 certified partners through its unique program aimed at fostering local music industries.
