OWENSBORO, Ky. — The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has created the Greater Owensboro Music Commission, an initiative aimed at cultivating and advancing the region’s vibrant and ever-growing live performance community.
The Commission start-up is being facilitated by Steve Johnson of RepresentGPA Government and Public Affairs and the Bluegrass Music Initiative.
“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-and-B, gospel or contemporary, our community has the talent and the heart to lead on a global stage.”
Established in 2025 as an ad-committee of the chamber, the commission is initially composed of 13 appointed members dedicated to further positioning Greater Owensboro as a rising global hub. Its mission is to connect music makers, commerce, and the community through performance, education, and promotion — enhancing opportunities for artists, businesses, youth, and audiences alike.
“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. We are excited to see how this will grow,” said Candance Castlen Brake, president/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled Steve Johnson is driving this initiative. His passion for our community inspires all those around him.”
Key priorities for the inaugural 2025 cohort include 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.
The commission will collaborate with a wide range of community and regional partners, including:
- The 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
- Local schools, higher education music programs, music venues, and promoters
By fostering education, performance, and collaboration, the new commission aims to amplify the city’s creative spirit and economic potential — solidifying Owensboro’s reputation as a thriving destination for all who love music.
Established in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for over a century to provide benefits and services to member businesses and individuals. Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.