From Selena Quintanilla’s legacy and the iconic musicians honored on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame to the renowned Texas Jazz Festival and the evergrowing live music scene, Corpus Christi is certainly a city filled with rich musical history. As evidenced by the city’s recent designation as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office, Corpus’ musical story is not only still being written, but is entering into an exciting new chapter.
Created in 2016, the Texas Music Office’s Music Friendly Texas Program is the first of its kind in the country. The program seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas communities. In a recent press release from Visit Corpus Christi, Gov. Gregg Abbot announced the exciting designation and shared how this achievement aids in cultivating tremendous economic growth.
“I congratulate the City of Corpus Christi on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” he said. “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. In fact, with support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry supported more than 192,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generated more than $26 billion in economic activity statewide in last year. Together, we will continue to work alongside local leaders in Corpus Christi and across every region to ensure our communities have the tools needed to create even greater opportunity.”
With more than 1,200 incorporated cities in Texas, only 43 have received the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation, including Austin, Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio and San Marcos. Now, Corpus Christi has become the 44th. “The Texas Music Office is proud to welcome Corpus Christi to our family of Music Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Texas Music Office Director Brendon Anthony. “Corpus Christi is home to rich musical traditions that define this coastal community and help to grow local jobs and attract visitors year-round. We look forward to welcoming in and partnering with such a vibrant city. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
The designation not only reflects Corpus Christi’s musical heritage and thriving music scene, but it also serves as an opportunity to put our city on a larger stage. “This designation will amplify our city’s allure, stimulate economic potential and establish an inviting haven for artists and music enthusiasts,” Interim Music Commissioner of Visit Corpus Christi Emily Zertuche shared.
In celebration of the designation, Downtown Corpus Christi’s monthly ArtWalk event will transform into MusicWalk Presented by H-E-B and Visit Corpus Christi on Friday, Sept. 1. The evening kicks off with a special Music Friendly Texas Designation Press Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Retro. MusicWalk will include performances from over 50 local bands and musicians across 22 stages sprinkled throughout the streets, parks and music venues in Downtown Corpus Christi; 100+ pop-up vendors; dozens of food trucks; live painting; a pop-up tennis and pickleball court and so much more.
“Corpus Christi is a music-rich community with a long history of supporting musicians, venues and fans,” said Corpus Christi Music Advisory Council Chair and House of Rock owner Casey Lain. “I’m excited Corpus Christi is being recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Community by the Texas Music Office. In fact, this designation has already brought unity to the local music industry, and that can be seen and heard in person at the certification ceremony featuring over 50 musical groups and several genres performing in the streets and venues of Downtown Corpus Christi.”
MusicWalk is free to attend and welcomes all ages. Head to Visit Corpus Christi’s MusicWalk page for the official music lineup, an event map and more details on what to expect from the event.
