#USA #Dallas #Dallas Fort Worth #JAMBALOO #The Cicada

JAMBALOO Launches the Venue Prize

In an inspiring move to support the Dallas-Fort Worth music community, JAMBALOO has introduced the Venue Prize, a remarkable $20,000 annual grant aimed at independent, locally-owned venues. This initiative, spearheaded by the Mullen Mullen Music Project, is designed to provide not just financial assistance but also operational support to a sector that has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years.

A Game-Changer for Local Venues

The inception of this prize comes after The Cicada, a cherished venue in Fort Worth, faced crippling financial challenges, including a sudden rent increase and urgent infrastructure repairs. As a dynamic hub for live music, open mics, and community events, The Cicada was at risk of closure this summer, prompting Mullen Mullen Injury Law Firm and Hear Fort Worth to step in just in time.

Joseph Morrison, Senior Associate at the law firm and co-founder of JAMBALOO, expressed the urgency of supporting such spaces, noting,

“Fort Worth needs spaces like The Cicada. They are where artists get their start and where community thrives.”

This sentiment reflects a broader realization: independent venues are vital not only for artists but for relational and cultural continuity within the community.

The Need for Support

According to a study by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), a staggering 64% of independent venues were unprofitable in 2024, despite the live music sector generating $153 billion in economic output. Tom Martens, director of the Fort Worth Music Office, articulated the precarious position of these venues, stating,

“Running a small venue means working on razor-thin margins. Support like this is a lifeline.”

These words resonate with venue owners and operators across the nation who are fighting to keep their doors open.

More than Financial Aid

For Tyler Stevens, owner of The Cicada, the Venue Prize is a source of validation beyond its monetary value. He shared,

“Just knowing someone sees the value in what you're doing can be the thing that keeps you going.”

In addition to the cash grant, the JAMBALOO Venue Prize offers operational support, assisting with marketing, accounting, finance, and negotiations with landlords, enhancing the sustainability of these cherished venues.

Corey Pond, co-founder of JAMBALOO, emphasized this holistic approach, saying,

“While money is obviously important, if we can assist in other ways, we will.”

Their commitment aims to ensure that venues like The Cicada flourish for years to come.

Applications for the Prize

Looking ahead, independent venues within the DFW area will have the opportunity to apply for the JAMBALOO Venue Prize from February to May beginning in 2026. A panel of judges will select the annual recipient, forming a continuous cycle of support that builds upon JAMBALOO's earlier successes, including a week-long series of 50+ free shows that had a local economic impact of around $3.5 million.

Morrison noted the rapid evolution of JAMBALOO, stating,

“JAMBALOO didn’t even exist nine months ago, and now it’s becoming a year-round mission to uplift our music scene.”

This initiative is poised to inspire others to invest in and support local music venues and the artists that reside within them.

About JAMBALOO

JAMBALOO, launched by the Mullen Mullen Music Project, aims to celebrate and sustain North Texas' independent music scene. From its inception featuring 50+ free shows to the establishment of the Venue Prize, JAMBALOO represents a commitment to meaningful and long-lasting support for local venues and artists. This initiative is more than just a financial endeavor; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of community in the arts.