Cultural Affairs Office
Press and Communications
City of Houston Establishes First Houston Music Advisory Board
September 14, 2022 -- Houston City Council approved an ordinance today to establish the City’s first Houston Music Advisory Board (HMAB). The ordinance is a significant step to help design strategy for municipal support of Houston musicians and its music industry. The HMAB will serve as a liaison between the music community and the City of Houston and help foster economic development of local musicians and the music industry.
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs recognized the need to establish an advisory board to impact and influence the City’s work. The ordinance will permanently establish the HMAB made up of nine (9) action-oriented members to continue this work.
Appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council, the inaugural board represents the diversity, interests, and expertise of Houston’s music community.
“Houston has a long history of cultivating careers of homegrown talent who have succeeded on the global stage. When you think about Houston music history, you immediately think of some of the popular musical artists working today,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “But our city also helped bring top-notch musicians and institutions like Archie Bell & the Drells, Sugar Hill Studios, Peacock Records, ZZ Top, Kashmere Stage Band, Geto Boys, UGK, DJ Screw, Robert Earl Keene, and La Mafia, among others.”
While many Houston musicians are known worldwide, the local music scene is the foundation of the City’s musical roots.
The following music industry stakeholders are appointed to this first music board:
Officers
- Chair, Jason Woods (Flash Gordon Parks), Mo’ Better Brews
- Vice-Chair, Mark Austin, Houston Music Foundation
- Secretary, Eric Jimenez, Prairie View A&M University
Members
- Ericka de Leon, Hip Hop Vintage Flea Market, Bgirl City
- Anna Garza, Girls Rock Camp Houston
- Henry Guidry, Swisha House
- Jagi Kaital, White Oak Music Hall
- Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Anne Lundy, Community Music Center of Houston
The HMAB will hold regular public meetings to discuss key issues in advancing the local music industry and provide recommendations for improvement. The first listening session with the music community will be held on October 25, 2022.
The HMAB goals include the following:
- Present top challenges and/or opportunities based on music community feedback
- Develop policy recommendations in support of musicians and music industry
- Encourage registration to the new Houston Music Directory slated to launch Fall 2022
The Houston Music Directory provides musicians and music industry professionals a chance to create a profile, connect across businesses, support services and music industry professionals, and also help the City of Houston market our creative community. Musicians and music pros can now register in the new Houston Music Directory.
“This ordinance aligns with the City’s Arts & Cultural Plan that fosters an environment where art and culture flourish for the sharing and benefit of all citizens and visitors. We are incredibly grateful for the establishment of this music board and Mayor Turner’s vision,” said MOCA director Necole Irvin. “It will continue to add to our City’s rich history and allows us to continue to foster our vibrant music scene for years to come.”
For more information about the Houston Music Advisory Board and its initiatives, please contact Gracie Chavez, Music & Cultural Tourism Officer, at 832.394.0627 or gracie.chavez@houstontx.gov.
About the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram @HoustonMOCA.