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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Lone Star State is famous the world over for its |
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wealth of exceptional music, and its welcoming creative atmosphere |
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has made it a haven for performers seeking to further their art; |
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while communities throughout the state have contributed to that |
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legacy, the city of Denton has been especially successful in |
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nurturing an innovative and diverse music scene that has had an |
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influence far beyond North Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, Denton has long been known as a place where |
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independent expression through music and art is respected and |
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encouraged; its vibrant character is due in part to the presence of |
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two venerable institutions of higher learning, the University of |
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North Texas and Texas Woman's University, both of which attract |
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musicians and artisans of all mediums; the University of North |
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Texas College of Music is particularly notable; with more than |
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1,600 music majors, it is one of the largest music programs in the |
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United States; and |
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WHEREAS, Numerous UNT alumni have gone on to make their mark |
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as professional musicians, among them famous figures such as Don |
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Henley, Norah Jones, Pat Boone, Roy Orbison, and Ray Wylie Hubbard; |
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in addition, the city is the hometown of the Grammy Award-winning |
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band Brave Combo, the One O'Clock Lab Band, former Texas poet |
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laureate and musician Steven Fromholz, and more than 100 other |
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groups playing myriad styles of music; and |
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WHEREAS, With its thriving population of skilled performers, |
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Denton has become a hub of independent music that has been |
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recognized by prominent publications, including Paste Magazine, |
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the New York Times, and the Guardian; on any given night, dozens of |
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bands are performing around the city; more than 25 music venues are |
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located within walking distance of the downtown square, and |
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businesses and restaurants all around town actively support and |
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promote Denton musicians and present live music to their patrons; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, The city further showcases its musical offerings at |
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festivals and special events such as the nationally renowned Denton |
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Arts & Jazz Festival and the 35 Conferette; moreover, Denton's |
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active music community is reflected in the presence of more than a |
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dozen recording studios; and |
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WHEREAS, Drawing on a rich musical heritage, Denton continues |
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to receive attention for its concentration of outstanding musicians |
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and its robust lineup of concerts and shows; the spirit of |
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creativity, independence, and do-it-yourself innovation that |
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pervades the local scene greatly enhances the Lone Star State's |
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reputation for artistic excellence, and this exciting and |
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influential center for musical expression is indeed deserving of |
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special recognition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby designate Denton as the Independent Music Capital of Texas. |