The City of Granbury, located southwest of Fort Worth, has been designated as the 40th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO), Gov. Greg Abbott announced.
The Music Friendly Texas program, which was started by TMO in 2016, seeks to promote music business-related economic development and job creation in cities and communities throughout the state of Texas.
This distinction was awarded to Granbury after the city successfully navigated a certification process that included collaboration with community musicians and coordination with institutions across the state.
Tammy Dooley, the director of Granbury’s Convention & Visitors Bureau, told The Dallas Express, “This is a huge honor for us to receive the Music Friendly Designation as the 40th city in Texas, as our city has fostered a great music vibe over the last few years.”
“Music generates experiences that attract visitors to our community and grows our tourism economy, which creates an amazing quality of life for our community to enjoy,” she added.
Governor Greg Abbott praised Granbury for its new distinction, explaining, “Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state.”
“Music Friendly Texas communities certified by the Texas Music Office are serious about attracting and developing the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth,” he continued. “Together, we will continue to work alongside local leaders in Granbury and across every region to ensure our communities have the tools needed to grow and prosper.”
Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) expressed excitement for his hometown, suggesting, “Granbury has a rich history of music and culture dating all the way back to 1886 when the Granbury Opera House was first erected.”
“I thank Governor Abbott and the Texas Music Office for recognizing Granbury with this designation that will help our music industry grow and thrive,” Birdwell concluded, as per the governor’s released statement.
Similarly, Rep. Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville), whose district includes Granbury, stated, “This designation sends a clear signal to musicians and tourists alike that the City of Granbury is serious about fostering the arts.”
Granbury City Manager Chris Coffman added that “the music ecosystem this program promotes will increase tourism and allow local musicians to excel in their career goals without having to leave the area.”
“Texas music is unique, has its own following, and is continually growing. I am so proud of our team in acquiring this new designation,” Coffman concluded.
A ceremony celebrating the designation as a music-friendly community will take place on February 25 at Hewlett Park.
Other cities that share a similar designation include places like Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Dripping Springs, McAllen, Round Rock, and El Paso.
