Much to the delight of Marshall and Harrison County officials, The Academy of Texas Music, Inc., announced Friday the Eighth Annual Academy of Texas Music Awards will be May 15, 2010, at the Marshall Civic Center.

"We had a dream a few years ago and had some people get behind us," said Lucky Boyd, chairman of the academy and a Texas musician with 42 years of performances under his belt, during an exciting afternoon press conference at Blue Frog Grill.

Boyd was introduced to Marshall area media by Grady Lee, a Marshall musician of popularity and repute.

Boyd and his wife Jinelle Boyd co-produce the annual awards show through its production company, Payline Productions, to honor independent Texas performers in several categories.

"Legendary performer and songwriter B.J. Thomas will host the event and perform a concert with his highly acclaimed band after the awards show," said Ms. Boyd, executive director of Academy of Texas Music, Inc.

"These are some of the greatest performers in Texas," she said. "They're independent musicians making the music that the world will be listening to in the future."

While the awards show was kicked off in Houston, its growth and popularity brought it to East Texas. It was held in Palestine in 2008 and 2009 and at Linden's Music City Texas in 2006 and 2007.

"Every year it gets bigger and grows. Now it is at the Marshall Civic Center," said Boyd. "We hope it doesn't outgrow the center too quickly. We would like to stay here a few years if we can."

Judge Richard Anderson and his wife Christina Anderson attended the press conference to welcome the academy's members. Boyd praised the Andersons' enthusiasm for holding the event in Harrison County as well as their personal attempts to see it brought to Marshall.

Anderson said they had attempted for about 10 years to see the awards ceremony held in Marshall, revealing the stiff competition in securing it for the convention center.

San Angelo, Beaumont and Richardson were also in competition to host the show, Anderson said.

"It is a great pleasure to have you here, and competition be hanged, we are going to keep you here," said Marshall Mayor William "Buddy" Power. "We want you, we need you, and we're going to keep you."

Power also praised the work done to bring the show to Marshall.

Boyd described the awards show's beginnings with impromptu butter stick fixes (to lubricate the curtains), the beginnings of its wacky superstitions and its unbeatable debut.

"We are going to need so much help because none of us can do this on our own," said Boyd.

The Academy of Texas Music is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed to recognize and provide education to talented Texas musicians.

"Sponsorship is a great marketing opportunity. The souvenir program we have every year reaches a lot of people, a targeted audience all day," said Boyd.

The annual event also serves as a fund-raiser for the academy, which produces music education programs, scholarships recognition projects and benevolence programs for musicians in need, according to a press release.

"The academy relies on partnerships with sponsors to help continue the academy's mission," said Ms. Boyd. "We are very grateful to our sponsors who signed on early this year and encourage anyone who wishes to support such a wonderful cause to join our family."

For more information about My Texas Music, a promotion and retail arm of the organizations, visit www.mytexasmusic.com.

To be eligible for a music award or to become a sponsor of the 2010 Texas Music Awards, call call 1-877-MUSIC-30 or visit www.texasmusicawards.org.