Who We Are
Hello!OUR GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The Urban Music and Cultural Festival brings top performers, supports local talent, and reduces environmental impact through better recycling and waste management. We work to keep improving the festival’s reputation and deliver quality entertainment each year while helping vulnerable people with free community services (health and wellness, job training, and youth development).
Goals and Objectives
Expand arts and culture access for everyone, regardless of income
Keep the festival a signature spring event that attracts tourists and boosts the local economy
Improve youth access to music education through the Soul Tree Collective
Lead community efforts in health & wellness, job readiness, and workforce support for vulnerable groups
Grow our marketing reach with a consistent, coordinated campaign for all stakeholders
Secure long-term corporate partners to sustain and enhance the festival’s reputation
Build and celebrate a dedicated volunteer community that connects people of all ages to the festival
Our History
The Urban Music and Cultural Festival (UMCF), since its establishment in 2006, has played a pivotal role in successfully fostering community engagement and music development for the Central Texas community and has been able to promote a stronger social and educational community. Twenty years ago, this festival was spawned out of an “Austin Quality of Life Initiative” derived to address the need for an overall transformation of the Socio-Economic landscape that would lead to better living conditions within Austin and surrounding areas for the African American community
Arts, Culture & Entertainment was one of six initiatives, so the trio pitched the idea to the city and secured support to launch what became the Urban Music Fest.
The UMCF started with three founders: Homer Hill (Catfish Station co-founder), Donnie Little (former UT quarterback), and Donnell Creech (Soulciti founder). Held at Auditorium Shores and Moody Amphitheater, the festival draws 1,000–12,000 people and has featured acts like Boyz II Men, Frankie Beverly & Maze, En Vogue, Charlie Wilson, The Ohio Players, and Brandy.
Now in its 20th year, the festival brings families, neighbors, and community leaders together. It highlights top entertainers, develops local talent, and runs free community programs on job readiness, health, and workforce development.
UMCF partners closely with the community through the Soul Tree Collective’s Young Band Project, launched in 2007, which has launched 14 bands and supports young musicians and vocalists in Travis and Williamson counties.
UMCF believes music gives a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard, expressing struggles and hopes in ways words alone often cannot.
Our Story