Abilene is in the serious business of growing and supporting the music scene in our city. The Texas Music Office of the Governor has certified Abilene as a Music-Friendly community and given guidelines and resources to help attract performing artists and grow live music throughout the city.
COVID19 Update: Musicians are suffering financial hardship along with venues and other independent contractors who have lost work during the pandemic shutdowns. If you or a friend is a musician who needs assistance, check out these resources through the Texas Music Office.
- Unemployment benefits in Texas have expanded under the federal CARES Act to cover independent contractors and self-employed individuals. Texas Workforce Commission has put together a worksheet for how musicians and music business professionals (self-employed/contract workers) should apply for unemployment benefits if they've had work loss due to COVID-19. Because of the CARES Act, the Pandemic Unemployment Insurance program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits and is available starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after Jan. 27, 2020 and ending on or before Dec. 31, 2020.
- More resources: Grants, Loans, & Assistance Info For Music Industry Professionals Affected by COVID-19
A video for musicians:
Ways you can help support the initiative:
- Encourage live music at your venues.
- Submit events and performances to abilenevisitors.com to be featured in the Live Music section on the communitywide calendar.
- The ACVB can help promote performances through social media channels.
- Create Facebook events and invite Abilene Centerstage Facebook page to co-host.
- Fans: Show up for shows and create a spirit of camaraderie and support the local industry!
For more information contact Tiffany Nichols or check us out on
