Fort Worth music gets an advocate with new organization Hear Fort Worth

Fort Worth music is, as we’ve said, having a bit of a moment right now.

Given the forward momentum, and a desire to see it benefit other deserving musicians and the city itself, the Convention and Visitors Bureau convened a meeting in late December with a few folks from the music and film scenes in town (full disclosure: I attended this meeting). The discussion focused on what might be done to help promote Fort Worth and its music to the nation and the world.

From that initial meeting, a group began to coalesce around the idea of creating an organization that could serve as a hub, of sorts, for Fort Worth music.

The organization would encompass all genres, all performers, and anyone interested in making music for a living. It would allow artists a place to have questions answered, get insight into mundane but necessary topics like entertainment law, promotion and booking tours, as well as network with like-minded individuals. (A comparable program might be something like the Austin Music Foundation.)

Membership will be open to the public, as well as musicians and bands, with the intention of helping maintain the progress already being made, and create the potential for even greater growth.

“Hear Fort Worth wants to help the community achieve the goals that benefit us all,” reads the organization’s web site, in part. “We will be working behind the scenes year-round to mobilize and activate those who want to make sure that Fort Worth realizes its potential as a nationally celebrated music town.”

That organization — dubbed Hear Fort Worth — is preparing to unveil itself over the coming months, with a mixer tentatively scheduled for March 1 at Lola’s Saloon and an official South by Southwest showcase set for March 17 at Austin’s Soho Lounge. (Again, full disclosure: I currently sit on Hear Fort Worth’s board of directors.)

The SXSW showcase will run from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and the line-up will include, in no particular order, Green River Ordinance, Luke Wade, Mike Ryan, the Quaker City Night Hawks, Grady Spencer & the Work, Jake Paleschic and Reagan James.

Initially, Hear Fort Worth is working in concert with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and will be posting regular updates on its Facebook page as well. Stay tuned for more.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 6:14 PM with the headline "Fort Worth music gets an advocate with new organization Hear Fort Worth."