Leakey, Texas has struck a chord with state officials, earning its place as the 90th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing a rigorous multi-step certification process.
Governor Greg Abbott announced the designation on Monday, highlighting how the small Hill Country town has joined a growing network of more than 80 Texas cities committed to fostering music industry development and economic growth. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Leakey, a community perhaps better known for its natural beauty than its musical output — until now.
Small Town, Big Sound
“Congratulations to the City of Leakey on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” Governor Abbott stated, emphasizing the importance of music to Texas’s cultural identity and economic vitality.
The Music Friendly Texas program, which launched in 2016, represents the nation’s first statewide initiative aimed at fostering music business-related economic development. It’s no small achievement — the Texas music industry supports over 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates more than $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide.
State Representative Wes Virdell captured the essence of Leakey’s musical character, noting that “Many things come to mind when I think of Leakey, but two in particular are the Frio River and music that flows along with it.”
What does this designation actually mean for a community like Leakey? For starters, it signals to industry professionals that the city is serious about cultivating its musical ecosystem. The certification also connects Leakey to a broader network of communities working to develop their music industries, potentially opening doors for collaboration, investment, and growth.
Deep Musical Roots
Real County Judge Bella A. Rubio shared personal reflections on the town’s musical heritage, reminiscing about “Growing up in Leakey and having the pleasure of listening to local musicians play instruments such as the harmonica, guitar, and banjo on their front porches was the very thing that always brought such joy and peace to my soul.”
The Texas Music Office, established in 1990, stands as the first and longest-running state music office in the nation. Since developing the Music Friendly Community Program in 2016, it has helped dozens of Texas communities leverage their musical assets for economic development.
Jan Larsen, President of Songs on the Frio, emphasized the significance of the certification: “Being designated as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community is a tremendous honor for Leakey. This recognition not only celebrates our deep love for music but also strengthens the economic vitality of our town. We may be small, but we have a big soul. Music is an important part of who we are.”
The Texas music industry’s economic impact is substantial. With support from the Texas Music Office, it generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide while supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.
Celebration on the Horizon
A formal certification ceremony is scheduled for October 11, 2025, at the Bent Rim Grill in Leakey. The event will feature city officials, community leaders, and — naturally — musical entertainment. Texas Music Office Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the official designation.
Communities that participate in the Music Friendly Texas program gain access to a valuable network for music industry development. But beyond the economic considerations, there’s something more fundamental at work in places like Leakey.
Can a small town in the Texas Hill Country become a meaningful player in the state’s vibrant music scene? Carole Petrovics, owner of Rio Bella Resort & Rustic 83, certainly thinks so.
“In Leakey, music unites us,” Petrovics observed. “Earning the designation as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community opens new opportunities for our town and every guest who visits. We can’t wait to share the magic of music with all.”
For a town perhaps best known for its pristine river and natural beauty, the Music Friendly Texas designation offers a chance to amplify another dimension of its identity — one that’s been playing quietly in the background all along, now ready for its moment in the spotlight.
