where texas music lives

over 28 years

a family tradition

Keeping Texas Music Alive

For over 28 years, Texas Music Cafe has been a home for artists, storytellers, and music lovers alike. What started as a grassroots effort to showcase authentic Texas talent has grown into a legacy of preserving and promoting the voices that define our state’s rich musical heritage. From intimate, candlelit performances to legendary collaborations, our stage has welcomed both rising stars and seasoned icons, capturing the heartbeat of Texas one song at a time.

As we move forward, we’re expanding our mission beyond the stage with three core programs: Education, Preservation, and Artist Relief. Through educational initiatives, we provide opportunities for learning and engagement in Texas music history. Our preservation efforts safeguard rare performances and stories, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations. And with artist relief, we support musicians in times of need, reinforcing our commitment to the people behind the music. These programs, along with our evolving work in music history and archives, reflect our dedication to keeping Texas music alive—past, present, and future.

Texas music isn’t just history—it’s a living, evolving story.

Gene Smith - Board Member

The Magic Behind the Music

Meet Our Team & Board

Meet the passionate team behind Texas Music Café®. Our board and dedicated volunteers work together to preserve Texas music history, support artists, and engage the community through education and storytelling.

Chris Harris
Board President

Chris Harris is a seasoned attorney based in Waco, Texas, with over two decades of experience in civil litigation, personal injury, and business law. Graduating with honors from Baylor Law School in 1997, Chris began his legal career specializing in construction law at Griffith & Nixon in Dallas. In 2000, he returned to Waco to establish a general law practice, eventually co-founding The LOCH Firm. Beyond his legal practice, Chris combines his passion for music and law by creating educational songs that offer legal advice in a humorous and accessible format.

Ryan Beck
Vice President

Ryan Beck is a dedicated sales representative at Ben E. Keith's Central Division in Waco, Texas, serving McLennan, Hill, and Bosque counties. Beyond his professional role, Ryan is deeply immersed in Waco's vibrant music scene. His passion for music and commitment to the community. His involvement in the local music community underscores his dedication to fostering and promoting musical talent in Waco.

Chris Ermoian
TMC Co-Founder

Chris Ermoian is a visionary producer and musician who co-founded Texas Music Café in 1997 alongside his brothers, TJ and Jeff, and a group of Waco artists and musicians. Under his leadership, the show quickly gained national attention, broadcasting weekly on PBS to 94 million households and later reaching international audiences through the Armed Forces Radio and Television Services. With a mission to spotlight under-recognized talent, Chris has built an extensive archive of over 10,000 hours of live performances, featuring both rising stars and Lone Star legends. His dedication to preserving and promoting Texas music has solidified Texas Music Café's place in the state's cultural history.

Sherman Ayres
Board Member

Sherman Ayres is a seasoned corporate executive with over three decades of experience at Mars, Incorporated, where he held various leadership positions in global manufacturing and corporate management. Following his tenure at Mars, he founded S.R. Ayres & Associates, a consultancy specializing in leadership training, strategic planning, and crisis management. Sherman actively contributes to the Waco community through his roles as Chair of the Waco Foundation's Board of Trustees and as a member of the Alliance Bank Central Texas Board of Directors.

Gene Smith
Board Member

With a background in entrepreneurship and corporate operations, Gene Smith brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to Texas Music Café. After managing large-scale logistics at FedEx Ground and founding multiple businesses, he shifted his focus to purpose-driven work—supporting musicians and preserving live music experiences. Since joining TMC, he has played a key role in its transition to a nonprofit, forging partnerships, securing funding, and laying the foundation for long-term growth. Gene believes in the transformative power of music and is committed to ensuring its impact reaches future generations.

Al Staehely
Board Member

Al Staehely is a renowned entertainment attorney and musician with deep roots in Texas music. A University of Texas School of Law graduate, he has spent decades representing artists, songwriters, and industry professionals while also making his mark as a performer and songwriter. After starting his career as the lead vocalist and bassist for the band Spirit, he transitioned to law, specializing in legal matters for the music and film industries. His unique blend of legal expertise and firsthand industry experience provides invaluable insight into artist rights and music preservation.

Jonathan Kutz
Board Member

Serves as Program Director of Music Industry Careers at MCC. He has been at MCC for 27 years and is also active as a drummer in the area with Sloppy Joe and Ted Nugent. Mr. Kutz has a passion for music education and has taught at all levels: Elementary, Middle, High School and College. At MCC he teaches Percussion lessons and American Music. While not playing music he can be found on the golf course or riding his bike.

Marvin Alexander
Board Member

Marvin Alexander Jr. is a passionate musician, community leader, and advocate for the arts in Waco. As the lead vocalist and co-founder of Smooth Nature, he has played a vital role in shaping the city's music scene, blending R&B, soul, and jazz fusion to create a sound that resonates with diverse audiences. Beyond performing, Marvin is dedicated to fostering local talent and strengthening Waco’s artistic community through collaboration and mentorship. His leadership and commitment to the arts continue to inspire and uplift both musicians and audiences alike.

Kayla Rosas
Board Member

Kayla Rosas is the co-owner & engineer of Direct Resonance Studio, LLC in Waco, Texas, also known to many as DRS Recording. Kayla attended McLennan Community College and graduated with a A.A.S. in Audio Technology, as one of the few women engineers in the industry. She also has received a certificate in Computer Information Systems/Media Communications from MCC. Kayla’s focus is on pre-production of projects at DRS and mobile recording services, as well as CD/DVD design and web design for music artists. As a member of the TMC Board of Directors, Kayla’s attention will be on musician health and relief.

Freddie Krc
Board Member

Freddie Steady Krc is an award winning singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, record producer and indie record label owner. Houston born, he's been based in Austin, Texas for fifty years plying his musical wares around the world. Hundreds of recording credits with artists including Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, Carole King, Psych Rock pioneer Roky Erickson and Jerry Jeff Walker just to name a few. Freddie has enjoyed a close connection with Texas Music Cafe since its beginning and is looking forward to serving on its board as a non-profit organization.

Casey Pittman
Sound Engineer

Casey Pittman is a seasoned sound engineer based in Waco, Texas, with extensive experience in live and studio settings. He is a member of the Institutional Events team at Baylor University, contributing his expertise to various university events. Casey is also a guitarist and vocalist for the band Dirty Echoes, collaborating with fellow musicians such as Chris Ermoian. His multifaceted involvement in Waco's music scene underscores his commitment to enhancing the local arts community.

Terry Otto, Board
Production Director

A dedicated arts administrator and technology professional with extensive experience in artist relations, event management, and digital strategy. Currently serving as the Artist Relations Coordinator for Texas Music Cafe, where I manage booking, promotion, and facility operations while maintaining the organization's web presence. I bring a unique blend of artistic sensibility, technical expertise, and business acumen developed through my diverse background in the arts, food service, and technology sectors.

Rachael Allen
Board Secretary

Rachael Allen has been a dedicated Texas Music Café volunteer for years, bringing passion and energy to every aspect of the organization. Whether managing logistics, welcoming guests, selling merchandise, or introducing bands, she is always ready to support the music and artists she loves. Now serving as Board Secretary, her knack for organization and commitment to the TMC mission make her an invaluable part of the team.

Our Mission

Texas Music Cafe® empowers students and musicians through hands-on education, live music production, and artist support. We are cultivating a vibrant community of future industry professionals while ensuring Texas’ musical legacy continues to thrive.

You ask, we answer

Ask Us Anything

Established in 1997, Texas Music Café® has been a cornerstone in showcasing and preserving the rich tapestry of Texas music. Originally launched as a television series, it featured live performances and interviews with both emerging and established Texas artists, capturing the state’s diverse musical heritage. Over the years, our platform evolved, embracing digital mediums to reach a broader audience while maintaining our commitment to authentic, high-quality music experiences. In 2025, recognizing the growing need to support the music community more holistically, we began transitioning into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This shift allows us to expand our mission, focusing not only on performance but also on education, preservation, and artist relief initiatives.

As we looked toward the future, we saw an opportunity to expand our mission beyond the stage. Now transitioning to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Texas Music Cafe is focused on three core areas: Performance Preservation, Music Education, and Artist Relief.

  • Performance Preservation: We continue to document and archive Texas’s live music history, ensuring that these moments remain accessible for future generations. 

  • Music Education: We partner with schools, educators, and organizations to provide hands-on learning opportunities in music history, performance, and production. Our programs bring real-world music industry experience to students.

  • Artist Relief: We support Texas musicians facing hardships through financial assistance programs, helping artists stay on their feet and continue creating.

Our live performances are still a core part of what we do and play a big part in supporting our programs. We’ve broadened our impact to ensure that Texas music not only thrives today but also inspires generations to come.

There are numerous ways to engage with and support Texas Music Café®:​

  • Attend Our Events: Join us for live performances and community gatherings to experience Texas music firsthand.​
  • Volunteer: Lend your skills and time to assist in various capacities, from event coordination to educational outreach.​
  • Donate: Contributions, whether one-time or recurring, directly bolster our programs and initiatives, enabling us to continue our mission.​
  • Educational Participation: Students and aspiring musicians can enroll in our workshops and training sessions to learn about music production, performance techniques, and the history of Texas music.​
  • Spread the Word: Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and share our content to help expand our community.

Our extensive archive of past performances is accessible through our official website and YouTube channel. These platforms feature a curated selection of live shows, interviews, and exclusive content, allowing you to experience the essence of Texas music anytime, anywhere.

Yes! Texas Music Cafe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Texas music history, supporting artists, and fostering music education. We are currently in the process of obtaining our official 501(c)(3) status. In the meantime, we’ve partnered with the Music Association of Central Texas (MACT) to provide tax-deductible donation receipts for those who support our mission. Your contributions help us expand our efforts in performance preservation, music education, and artist relief, ensuring Texas music continues to thrive for generations to come.

Yes! Texas Music Café® is in the consideration and planning phase of  establishing the Texas Music History Museum, a space dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich musical heritage of Texas.

This initiative will serve two key purposes:

  • Preserving Texas Music: The museum will act as a central hub for performance preservation, curating both physical and digital archives of Texas musicians. It will feature memorabilia, instruments, historical recordings, and exclusive live performance footage from our extensive archive of over 10,000 hours of recordings.
  • Educating the Community: Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on workshops, visitors will gain an immersive experience of Texas music history. Programs will provide students, artists, and music lovers the opportunity to engage with and learn from the state’s deep-rooted musical traditions.

In the meantime, we are actively working on partnerships with schools, museums, and cultural organizations to expand access to these materials while we work toward the development of a physical museum space. Stay tuned for updates as this vision continues to take shape!

Texas Music Café® is a listening room experience, designed to offer audiences an intimate and immersive connection with artists. While we do not operate as a traditional bar, we frequently collaborate with local breweries to provide beer and wine selections during events. Additionally, we offer water and soft drinks to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees.

Our “menu” features live music performances that showcase the talents of Texas musicians. We do not serve food; however, we encourage guests to dine at local restaurants before or after attending our events. This approach allows us to focus on delivering unparalleled musical experiences while supporting the broader community.

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our address

  • 110 S. 6th Street Waco, TX 76701

Contact Info

2025 - Texas Music Cafe®, Inc. Nonprofit - All Rights Reserved