The City of San Augustine has been officially recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, according to an announcement from Governor Greg Abbott. The designation was awarded by the Texas Music Office (TMO) after San Augustine completed the program’s certification process.
Governor Abbott commented on the significance of this recognition, 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 acknowledged the city’s achievement: “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 future prospects: “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, described some of the venues available: “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 certification ceremony cohosted by TMO, along with city officials and community leaders from San Augustine Main Street Board, is scheduled for Friday, December 5 at 5:00 PM at Downtown San Augustine’s Courthouse Lawn Pavilion.
San Augustine becomes the 91st community in Texas to receive this certification since TMO launched its program in 2016—the first statewide initiative of its kind in America. The Music Friendly Texas program aims to encourage economic development related to music businesses across cities throughout Texas.
The TMO operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office as one of its longest-running initiatives since 1990.
