Galveston is officially deemed a Texas Friendly Music Certified Community!
The Texas Music Office awarded Galveston this certification for its continued efforts to embrace and support the local music scene. From bringing name acts like Johnny Mathis to the Grand Opera House to La Izquierda’s Save the Locals series, there is no question that Galveston is a music destination.
The City of Galveston has been designated by the Texas Music Office (TMO) as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. The Music Friendly Texas program, the first in the nation since introduced by TMO in 2016, seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities.
Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state. Music Friendly Texas Communities certified by the Texas Music Office work hard to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth.
Governor Greg Abbott
It's a well-known fact that Texas has deep roots in music, with stars like Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, ZZ Top, George Strait, and Buddy Holly calling the Lone Star State home. Galveston, with its unique musical heritage, is no exception. Musicians like Barry White, Richard Williams, and Esther Philips have all hailed from the island. This rich musical history, combined with the recent certification, opens the doors for bigger acts, more venues, and more ways for people to join in on the fun.
Galveston is excited to boost its music scene with this new certification.
Galveston boasts an impressive local music scene with original acts performing nearly every night. However, it is also home to some of the best cover bands you can imagine. The island offers a wide variety of cover band genres, from '80s rock to tribute bands for The Beatles and Selena Quintanilla. There are plenty of options if you know where to look!
Ready to sing along? Check out Sharky’s Tavern, 1877 on The Strand, 23rd Street Station Piano Bar, or Lucky Lounge on the weekends to catch one of the island's many cover acts. You might even stumble upon a cover band playing on Axecade’s patio. If you’re looking for a specific genre, consider catching RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles or Bidi Bidi Banda, a Selena tribute band. You can also enjoy The Grooves and The Tracy Perez Band, known for playing all the hits!
If you're just looking for a good time with live music, head to Playground Bar & Patio, where you'll often find someone strumming guitar and playing your favorite songs. For a more laid-back acoustic vibe, visit Bar 43, Corner Pocket, or the Southbound bar in midtown Galveston. If you're in the mood for high energy and loud bass, stick around The Strand, where the tunes are sure to be lively.
November 6th - Kevin Russell
November 7th - Seth Walker
November 8th - Zac Wilkerson
November 9th - Kelly Willis
November 14th - Wiley Gaby, The Great Dying, Julie Nolen
November 15th - Ordinary Elephant, Wes Collins
November 16th - Jeska Bailey
November 17th - Scott Miller
November 21st - Kim Richey
November 23rd - Kevin Anthony and G Town, Joshua Huval & the O.s.t. Ramblers, Tyson Webb
November 29th - Walt Wilkins, Austin Mayse
November 30th - Come See My Dead Person
Click here to see more shows at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe.
Tuesdays in November - Sharky’s Open Mic Night (Sharky’s Tavern)
Thursdays in November - Live music at the lobby bar (Tremont Hotel)
Sunday’s in November - Sunday Hootenanny at Galveston Island Brewing
November 6th - Aaron Jade at Bar 43
November 9th - Culture Clash Epic Bash w/ Austin Gaston
November 9th - Third Eyeland Presents: Raudiver, Summore, Secrecies at Galveston Island Brewing
November 24th - Live Jazz on The Seawall
The Grand 1894 Opera House opened in the late 19th century, and has hosted operas, films, bands, and musicals, including The Marriage of Figaro (1992), My Fair Lady (1989), and Annie (1991).
Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe is a still running venue that hosts Galveston’s own Robert Kuhn, Hayes Carll, Kevin Anthony, and Come See My Dead Person. The stage has even launched the career of Dusty Hill from ZZTop.
The Balinese Room, built in 1920, hosted legends like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Duke Ellington. You could dance the night away, try your luck at poker, or hit the slots— until it was tragically destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Though the Balinese Room may have met its untimely demise and is forever closed, The Grand 1894 Opera House and Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe are still going as strong as ever. These two music venues allow Galveston crowds to enjoy music as a community.
As Galveston evolves, so does its music scene. On any given night, you can catch a local act at a variety of venues from the Old Quarter Acoustic cafe to one of many bars or even hotel rooftops..
Live Music at Hotel Lucine rooftop.
Music flows like water on the island, and thanks to local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and historic Postoffice Street, you can’t go a mile without interacting with some form of music. Every four to six weeks, the art galleries on Postoffice Street open their doors to the public, to allow for an evening of music and entertainment during ArtWalk.
You can walk from one end of the street to another and enjoy acoustic jams on the sidewalk or full sets inside many of the shops. Are you looking for local or touring acts? Check out the Hotel Lucine’s Sunsets & Sounds series, or pop on over to Daquiri Time Out, which has hosted its fair share of record release parties this summer. Looking for a more classical touch? Visit the Galveston Symphony Orchestra.
La Izquierda Festival
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Culture Clash Magazine
Culture Clash Magazine is a unique regional publication that focuses on Galveston Island and its surrounding communities. Since 2017, we've been delivering culturally relevant, trending topics. We distribute 4,000 hard copies six times a year, and our digital media is updated daily. Our mission is to educate and enlighten the Galveston Community through engaging, thought-provoking content, making us a vital part of the local culture.
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