AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott was just called back for a political encore.
A collective of 800 live music venues across the state – from classic theaters to honky-tonk dance halls – endorsed the Republican’s reelection bid on Thursday.
In a statement released by Abbott’s campaign, the Music Venue Alliance – Texas praised recent pro-music initiatives and Abbott’s moves to lift COVID-19 restrictions that had threatened about 500 venues statewide.
The group said those efforts also helped protect the tens of thousands of musicians who perform on their stages.
“Governor Abbott has always been a champion for us,” said Edwin Cabaniss, alliance cofounder and chairman. The state has an estimated 1,000 live music venues, according to the alliance website.
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Cabaniss also praised the Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program, which will give $200 million in tax rebates over the next decade for eligible Texas venues and festival promoters.
Abbott is all but assured of the GOP nomination in the March 3 primary, while Democrats are still sorting out their field, with state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin widely viewed as the leading Democratic contender for governor.
Live music is a $31 billion annual industry in Texas. The alliance includes Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, Trees Dallas, Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth, the Texas House of Rock in Corpus Christi and The Arcadia Live in Kerrville.