Music

Waco Music Friendly Designation

On July 30, 2020 the State of Texas certified Waco as the twelfth Texas city designated as a “Music Friendly Community”.  Participation in the program establishes a public reputation for Waco as a community that not only has a growing and thriving music scene but as a community that promotes what we have here. It connects Waco with the Texas Music Office (TMO) and the programming and initiatives that can benefit our community. What we do in Waco will be amplified through the TMO’s social media, website, and channels. It allows us to work more closely with other Music Friendly Communities to see what is working and allows us to be innovative leaders in how we cultivate and support our music community.

The designation was the result of a year of hard work by a grassroots local group including Katie Selman of Keep Waco Loud, Lindsay Liepman of Channel 25, Fiona Bond of Creative Waco, and the Director of the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). The group held a workshop in August 2019 where artists and professionals representing various styles of music gathered to support seeking the designation. The gathering was the largest workshop of its kind in Texas, with well over 100 attending.

Waco now has a trifecta of special designations awarded by the State of Texas: the Waco Downtown Cultural District, Film Friendly Community, and now Music Friendly Community. These designations indicate that Waco wants to attract activity in these sectors, and supports these important parts of the Waco economy.

Waco Music Industry Directory

Thanks to Katie Selman of Keep Waco Loud, who compiled the initial database. This is a listing of musicians and music industry companies located in McLennan County.

Music Directory Submission Form – Use this form to add or update listings.