On Tuesday, November 13,The Texas Music Office within the Office of the Governor will certify Stephenville as the sixth city to receive the TMO’s Music Friendly Community certification at a celebration ceremony from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Twisted J. The public is invited to attend this free event. Performing that evening will be Pearl Street Combo, with an open jam following the ceremony featuring other local musicians.

Participation in this program provides the community with a network for fostering Music Industry development, and sends a clear message to industry professionals that certified communities are serious about attracting and developing music industry growth. Other cities who have received this prestigious certification are Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Denton and Lindale. Other cities that are currently working through the certification process are Conroe and Corpus Christi.

“The Texas Music Office believes that it is essential to the well-being of our statewide music industry that we become a more interconnected and organized community, “said Brendon Anthony, Director of the Texas Music Office. “Every city in Texas has its own identity and contribution to our unique industry landscape,” Anthony continued. “We want to work with all of them to help grow their local music industry economies. It is our firm belief that by sharing information about industry successes, as well as missteps, we will make Texas a more productive and profitable music industry and a more strategically-placed player in the international music industry landscape.”

“Stephenville recognizes that music is a key driver to our community’s economic development,” says Mayor Doug Svein. “Music attracts thousands of visitors to our community each year, and is at the top of our community’s quality-of-life assets.” Stephenville is no stranger to the music industry. For almost 40 years, Stephenville has been home to Tarleton State University’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center, and the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council. For over 30 years, visitors have flocked to Melody Mountain Ranch for the Larry Joe Taylor Music Festival. The Birdsong Amphitheater has hosted live music under the stars for over 17 years, and Larry Joe Taylor’s Fall Fest has drawn music lovers for 13 years. Stephenville’s newest venue, Twisted J has already attracted thousands of guests to the state-of-the-art facility since opening in January.