The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday the official establishment of the Greater Owensboro Music Commission.
The commission is a new initiative aimed at cultivating and advancing the region’s ever-growing music community.
Steve Johnson, of RepresentGPA Government and Public Affairs and the Bluegrass Music Initiative, is facilitating the commission’s startup.
“Owensboro’s musical roots run deep,” Johnson said, “and this commission is the next step in growing our cultural and economic impact through music. Whether it’s bluegrass, Americana, folk, rock, symphonic, R & B, gospel or contemporary, our community has the talent and the heart to lead on a global stage.”
A key priority for the commission includes conducting an Owensboro Music Census — in partnership with Sound Music Cities of Austin, Texas — to better understand and strengthen the local music ecosystem and to broaden engagement and performance opportunities.
Johnson said the survey will cover a broad swath of the industry.
“You’ll have everything such as how much money is being generated by musicians, how many of the musicians who are leaving to do gigs in other parts, like Nashville, what are the barriers for musicians playing in Owensboro — maybe its parking or maybe its housing,” Johnson said. “Some of the venues, what’s the real economic impact that is generated from those, and how much percentage of the buildings are being utilized?”
Johnson said the survey is in its early stages, with his expectation it will be available in July. The commission hopes to receive the results by September or October, and to release the results by November.
The census is part of the bigger goal to position the Owensboro region as a rising global music hub.
“Communities around the country have realized that music is a tremendous vehicle to bring people in to celebrate a community,” Johnson said. “We’re a smaller market … but this is an opportunity for us to be on the cutting edge of music and the development of the music and the music industry in our region and celebrate that to a global audience.”
The commission’s mission is to connect music makers, music commerce and the community through performance, education and promotion, enhancing opportunities for artists, businesses, youth and audiences.
“Quality of life has a direct impact on our local economy, and there is no doubt that our musical performing arts groups and venues stand above most communities,” said Candance Castlen Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to see how this will grow.
“We are thrilled Steve Johnson is driving this initiative. His passion for our community inspires all those around him.”
The commission can include 15 members, with 13 members having been appointed to date, with each having been strategically chosen to cover a broad spectrum of the music industry.
The Commission will collaborate with a wide range of community and regional partners, including: City of Owensboro, Daviess County Fiscal Court, Visit Owensboro, Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative, Riverpark Center, Friday After Five, Owensboro Symphony, Downtown Owensboro businesses and local schools, higher education music programs, music venues and promoters.
Johnson said the commission aims to amplify the city’s creative spirit and economic potential to solidify Owensboro’s reputation as a thriving destination for music lovers.
By Scott Hagerman Messenger Inquirer