TEXAS, February 18 - February 18, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the City of Killeen has been designated by the Texas Music Office (TMO) as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process. The Music Friendly Texas program, the first in the nation since introduced by TMO in 2016, seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities.

“Congratulations to the City of Killeen on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Governor Abbott. “Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state. Music Friendly Texas Communities work tirelessly to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth. 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. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to build a stronger, more prosperous Texas than ever before.”

“Killeen is a unique and diverse community, drawing people from across the world to Fort Cavazos, and it is a place that brings the best of so many cultures and heritages together,” said Representative Brad Buckley. “Being named a Music Friendly Texas Community will allow the city to share their musical gifts with so many across the state and nation and harness valuable economic development opportunities.”

“This is a pivotal moment for the City of Killeen as we are proud to become the 74th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community in the great State of Texas,” said Representative Hillary Hickland. "Across the state, music remains a key component to bringing communities together. With this newfound designation, we are able to sustain our unique traditions, broaden economic development, and further job creation throughout the city and district. I am so proud of the City of Killeen for earning this designation and am looking forward to continuing the celebration of Texas' musical roots.”

“Today, we celebrate a milestone that reflects the heart and soul of our city,” said Killeen Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez. “This recognition honors our rich, cultural diversity, the creativity of our local artists past, present, and future, and the power of music to bring people together. I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen and look forward to seeing Killeen thrive as a hub for music, art, and community connection. Together, we are amplifying the rhythm of progress and opportunity for the City of Killeen.”

“Our Music Vision is to open the door to more performers for many reasons,” said Killeen Music Friendly Texas Committee Member and singer, songwriter, and percussionist Jovino Gutierrez. “One, a city that sings and dances together stays together and unites the city and music talents under the music umbrella. Two, being recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Community can be the gateway to welcome more variety of national performers into our city. And finally, the music language is universal; there is no better way of understanding each other than with music.” 

“Making Killeen a music-forward city has been a dream of mine since childhood, growing up here and organizing events to support our local music community,” said Killeen Music Friendly Texas Committee Member and Dream Big Studios owner Antonio Noriega. “Achieving this certification is truly a blessing.”

The Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony cohosted by TMO and the City of Killeen will be held on February 22 at the Motown in Downtown Music Festival in downtown Killeen and will include city officials and community leaders. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the designation.

Killeen Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony

Saturday, February 22 at 4:00 PM

Motown In Downtown Music Festival

200 East Avenue D

Killeen, TX 76541

Inquiries may be directed to Janell J. Lewis Ford, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, jjford@killeentexas.gov, (254) 501-7751

Killeen becomes the 74th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. Learn more about the Music Friendly Texas program: gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities

The Texas Music Office in the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office is the first and longest-running state music office in the nation. Since 1990, TMO has fostered the economic development of Texas music businesses, Texas musicians, and Texas communities. Since 2016, TMO has operated the first and only statewide Music Friendly Community Program in the nation, with an extensive network of more than 70 certified Music Friendly Texas community partners across the state. The TMO also serves as a clearinghouse for Texas music industry information, acts as a liaison between music businesses and government offices, publicizes significant industry developments, and attracts essential music industry to the Lone Star State. A vibrant Texas music industry supports local job creation while drawing visitors from around the globe, attracting a talented workforce across industries, and supporting business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout the state.