Music Association of Central Texas
The Music Association of Central Texas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Waco, Texas, that exists to "nurture and promote live music in central Texas." Established in 1999 by central Texas bandleader Johnnie Bradshaw, the organization has included hundreds of members, including such notable central Texas artists as Bryan Hill, J.C. Pringle, Justin Morace (aka Cognito), Lorna Willhelm, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, Wade Bowen, Kaley Caperton, and others.
Goals
The goals of the Music Association of Central Texas are:
- Hold regular meetings and encourage communication.
- To be an advocate for live music in Central Texas and to provide a forum for discussion of issues and seek solutions.
- To encourage cooperation and communication with related music organizations and businesses by forming a viable trade organization.
- To promote live music by:
- (A) Reestablishing good and solid approaches and developing new ideas to promote live music;
- (B) Seeking the support of the media;
- (C) Developing stronger support from the public;
- (D) Recommending and encouraging professional standards for the membership and
- (E) Creating a songwriters group to promote originality and develop opportunities.
Meetings
Board Meetings
The business of the Music Association of Central Texas is conducted by a nine-member board, which is made up of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and five additional members. The board meets on the first Monday of every month to discuss current business, take financial account of the organization, and review and follow up on ideas submitted by members.
Membership Meetings
The board meeting is followed by a general membership meeting, at which members are kept up to date about the work of the organization and can submit ideas for new projects. Members are encouraged to bring instruments, as the general meeting is usually followed by an open jam session.
The Groovy Awards
Each year, the Music Association holds an awards show dedicated to recognizing, showcasing, and honoring central Texas musicians, bands, music venues, and friends of central Texas music. Categories include:
Small Act of the Year, Non-Club Venue of the Year, Jazz Band of the Year, Musician's Friend Award, Production Award, Rising Star Award, Gospel Band of the Year, Pop Band of the Year, Hall of Recognition, Female Vocalist of the Year, Lead Player of the Year, Bass Player of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Rock Band of the Year, Hip Hop Act of the Year, Tejano Band of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Blues Band of the Year, Club Venue of the Year, Americana Band of the Year, Country Band of the Year, Metal Band of the Year, Favorite Performance of the Night, and Entertainer of the Year.
Past winners have included The Bradshaw Gang, Wes Hardin and the Country Outlaws, Mad Edison, Mustard Seed, Maiden Voyage, The Sonny Mac Blues Band, The Horton Duo, Grupo Laredo, Modern Day Drifters, and X's 4 Eyes.
Hall of Recognition
Each year at the Groovy Awards, a local artist is inducted into the MACT Hall of Recognition in honor of their contributions to music. Past inductees have included Doug Coats, Johnny Gimble, Sherman Evans, Bill McMoy, Dave Hibbard, Doyle Brink, Red Rogers, Classie Ballou, Johnnie Bradshaw, Roy Robbins & the Availables, Cindy Barron, George Spratt, Hank Thompson, David Zychek, Ray Hennig, Cindy Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, Larry Butler, The Morticians, Ronnie Huckaby, Blind Willie Johnson, Willie Nelson, Little Joe Hernandez, The Starlites featuring Phil Duckett, Jules Bledsoe, and Knights Bridge Quintet.
River Jam
Each September, the Music Association hosts the River Jam concert, benefiting local charity Caritas. River Jam is an all-day music festival featuring local artists playing several different genres of music. Past featured artists have included John Nitzinger, Pride and Joy, Johnny Mandell & The Muddcatts, Lorna Wilhelm, and David Zychek. Along with the regular admission price, attendees are asked to bring two or more non-perishable food items for the Caritas food pantry, which helps low-income residents in central Texas. The fifth River Jam on September 16, 2006, raised a total of $2,500 for Caritas and took in more than 600 pounds of food.[1]
References
External links
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