Gov. Greg Abbott announced Corpus Christi as this year’s host city, saying Texas’ vibrant music industry supports local jobs and global tourism.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Texas Music Office has announced that the seventh annual Texas Sounds and Cities Conference will be held in Corpus Christi this year, marking a major moment for the city’s growing music industry.

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The two-day event, co-hosted by the Texas Music Office, the City of Corpus Christi, Visit Corpus Christi, and the Corpus Christi Film and Music Commission, will take place Nov. 5–6.

The conference will feature panel discussions on Texas music industry development, statewide collaboration between Music Friendly Texas Certified Communities, and best practices to increase music tourism and local job creation.

Robert Arsuaga, General Manager at the Sound Vibrations music store, said Corpus Christi’s music scene has never been more alive.

“The music scene in Corpus is thriving,” Arsuaga said. “It’s grown tremendously in the past 10 to 15 years with its open acceptance of different genres, from Tejano to rap to rock to blues to country. It’s just not a single genre in this town that’s strong.”

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Corpus Christi as this year’s host city, calling it a testament to the region’s role in Texas’ creative economy.

America Segura, with Visit Corpus Christi, said the recognition highlights years of local effort to grow the city’s music footprint.

“It just shows the strides that we’ve made locally to showcase our local talent and also grow it,” Segura said.

Segura added that the city’s Music Friendly Certification from the Texas Music Office in 2023 played a key role in helping Corpus Christi earn this opportunity.

“That certification positioned us to continue networking with the Texas Music Office,” she said. “They’re aware that Corpus Christi is open for business — not only for music but also for tourism. We’re committed to growing that industry here.”

Longtime local music businesses like Sound Vibrations, which is celebrating its 50th year, serve as reminders of the Coastal Bend’s deep musical roots.

Arsuaga said the upcoming conference will help local artists take their dreams “from rehearsal to the main stage.”

“It can only open doors for a lot of other people that haven’t had doors open before,” he said. “Through the communications between artists, venues, and recording contacts. It’s a step forward for everyone.”

The event is expected to draw musicians, promoters, and industry leaders from across the state, putting Corpus Christi in the spotlight as one of Texas’ most dynamic music destinations.