The 2026 JAMBALOO Symposium will take place on Saturday, February 7th at Tulips in Fort Worth, bringing together some of the most influential voices in North Texas music for a day of conversation, insight, and community building. This annual gathering has quickly become a cornerstone of the broader JAMBALOO program—offering artists, industry professionals, educators, and civic leaders an opportunity to reflect on the region’s musical legacy while charting a path for its future.
This year’s Symposium will feature a panel of Grammy Award winners, industry veterans, and public leaders, who will explore the state of the DFW music scene from multiple vantage points. From the challenges of sustaining independent venues to the opportunities presented by new technologies and shifting cultural trends, panelists will draw on decades of professional experience and personal stories to illuminate the forces shaping our music ecosystem.
Serving as moderator will be Benji McPhail, Program Director for KXT 91.7FM, whose deep understanding of the local scene and thoughtful approach to dialogue have made him a trusted voice in DFW music. Under his guidance, the discussion will move through the past, present, and future of North Texas music, examining both the triumphs that have defined the scene and the structural issues that continue to shape its trajectory.
The private, invitation-only event will be live streamed and professionally recorded, ensuring that the insights and ideas shared on stage extend well beyond the room. By creating space for honest, informed conversation, the JAMBALOO Symposium aims to foster collaboration, spark new initiatives, and strengthen the connective tissue of the region’s cultural landscape.
