Fort Worth singer-songwriter Matthew McNeal was named the winner of the inaugural Jambaloo Music Prize on Saturday night, taking home a $20,000 award and top honors during a showcase celebrating North Texas music at Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom.

McNeal, known for his indie-country sound, received a custom trophy created by Dallas glass artist Simon Waranch, along with prize money provided by the Mullen & Mullen Music Project. His award package also includes the opportunity to sell albums through Josey Records and a studio recording session with Grammy-winning producer Tre Nagella.

“I feel like twenty thousand bucks,” McNeal joked while accepting the award.

Competition Expands Jambaloo Festival’s Mission

The Music Prize was launched as an extension of the annual Jambaloo Music Festival, a free week-long event designed to support local music venues across North Texas. The competition recognizes albums released by local artists during the previous year, with winners determined through public voting.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event were shared between Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Amplified Minds, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health resources for artists.

While McNeal claimed the top prize, the evening highlighted the strength and diversity of the region’s music scene.

Finalists Showcase North Texas Talent

The showcase featured performances from the competition’s three finalists — Matthew McNeal, Aaron’s Book Club, and Paul Schalda — before several hundred attendees at the historic Longhorn Ballroom.

Schalda opened the night with songs from his debut solo album, Lately, which earned him a place among the finalists. The record blends country and folk influences with soulful harmonies and introspective songwriting. The Texas-based artist is scheduled to join indie rock band Built to Spill on a fall tour that includes stops in Dallas and Fort Worth. McNeal followed with selections from High Lonesome, his fifth full-length album. Released in 2025, the record continues his signature blend of heartfelt country music, exploring themes of love, loss, and personal reflection. McNeal said he already intends to invest part of the prize money into recording his next project.

Dallas musician Aaron Daane and his band, Aaron’s Book Club, closed out the finalists’ performances. Backed by a six-piece ensemble featuring violin and cello, the group performed material from its latest album, Doggies, which draws inspiration from indie rock and Midwest emo. Despite competing for a substantial cash prize, Saturday’s showcase marked the band’s first-ever live performance.

Marc Rebillet Headlines Homecoming Celebration

Following the announcement of the winner, Dallas-born performer Marc Rebillet delivered the evening’s headline set, turning the event into a hometown celebration. Known for his improvisational live-looping performances and signature silk robes, Rebillet took the stage wearing a custom candy-apple-red robe featuring the Longhorn Ballroom logo. Fans throughout the venue embraced the theme, with many arriving in similar attire.

“Happy Pride Month, bitch,” Rebillet told the crowd before launching into a colorful performance accompanied by rainbow laser effects and live-created musical loops.

A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School himself, Rebillet served as a fitting headliner for an event supporting local arts education and celebrating regional talent. “Back in Dallas, back on solid ground, back in the homeland,” he told the audience.

A Bright Future for North Texas Music

The inaugural Jambaloo Music Prize not only recognized outstanding local artists but also underscored the growing strength of the North Texas music community.

From emerging acts making their live debut to established performers returning home to headline, the event showcased the depth of talent across the region. As the night concluded, the message was clear: North Texas continues to produce artists capable of shaping the future of independent music.