The first Venue Prize in the nation.
The inaugural JAMBALOO’s Venue Prize made a real difference for one of Fort Worth’s most beloved independent music spaces. Now, it’s set to become a cornerstone of the North Texas music calendar — returning as an annual award, with submissions opening early 2026.
The Jambaloo Venue Prize is a $20,000 cash award, paired with ongoing marketing and operational support, presented to one independent, locally-owned music venue in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The program was created by Mullen & Mullen in partnership with the Fort Worth Music Office, as part of Jambaloo’s broader mission to strengthen local music ecosystems during the traditionally lean winter months.
The inaugural prize went to The Cicada, a Near Southside Fort Worth venue that had been on the brink of closure. The award offered both financial relief and a powerful sense of community support.
“It means everything,” said Tyler Stevens, owner of The Cicada. “When you’re running a small venue, especially one that champions weird, independent art and music, just knowing someone sees the value in what you’re doing can be the thing that keeps you going.”
The Venue Prize not only provides funds but also connects the recipient with behind-the-scenes expertise in areas like marketing, accounting, and operations.
“While money is obviously important, if we can assist in other ways, we will,” said Corey Pond, general manager of Spune and co-founder of Jambaloo. “Sometimes that looks like marketing support or introductions to the right people. We want to give venues tools to thrive.”
For the Fort Worth Music Office, the prize represents a meaningful evolution in how cities can invest in their creative infrastructure.
“I don’t know of any place where something like this is happening,” said Tom Martens, director of the Fort Worth Music Office. “There has always been philanthropy in the arts, but this is another level of support. This is sustaining the stages that allow artists to find their voice and launch their careers.”
“We’re excited to see JAMBALOO grow into something lasting. Supporting small venues is how you keep a local music scene alive — not just with sponsorships at arenas, but by investing in the spaces where artists actually grow.”
Joseph Morrison, Attorney at Mullen & Mullen and JAMBALOO Co-Founder.
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