SAN BENITO — Nearly two decades ago, Rey Avila’s dream came to fruition.
As Board of Directors President of the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum, he felt inspired to create celebrations for Valley “conjunto pioneers” and have a place to learn about their history.
This weekend will mark another chapter in his goal to preserve and promote conjunto music.
The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host its 18th annual Induction Awards Saturday, June 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in San Benito.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
During the ceremony, four Valley musicians Higinio Guzman, Martin Zapata, Joe Sanchez and Lupe Saenz will be inducted into the museum’s historic hall of fame.
A portrait of the inductees, their biographies and memorabilia will be placed on display alongside more than 80 hall of fame inductees who are believed to have played a role in the conjunto world.
“A lot of times, I’ve heard people say they remember their parents or grandparents listening to conjunto music on the radio,” said Patricia Avila, Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Director Vice President. “So I think it’s awesome to hear the inductees’ stories and learn about the impact they’ve made in people’s lives.”
What Avila most enjoys about the event is seeing the inductees’ reactions when they’re welcomed into the museum’s hall of fame.
“I think they’re very surprised and don’t realize how much they contribute to the awards and the conjunto world,” she explained. “So, this showcases the artists and honors their history with conjunto music.”
Following the ceremony, Frutty Villarreal y Los Mavericks will perform from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
To reserve a table for the Induction Awards, contact Avila at (956) 245-5005.
Presale tickets cost $10 and tickets purchased at the door of the event cost $12.
To purchase tickets, visit the San Benito Chamber of Commerce or call (956) 361-9111.
IF YOU GO
WHAT — 18th annual Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum Induction Awards
WHEN — Saturday, June 22
DOORS OPEN — 6 p.m.
CEREMONY — 7 to 8:30 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT — 8:30 p.m. to midnight
WHERE — Knights of Columbus Hall, 826 East Stenger, San Benito
INDUCTEES — Higinio Guzman from Pharr, Martin Zapata from San Benito, Joe Sanchez from La Feria and Lupe Saenz from Weslaco
TICKETS — $10 presale tickets and $12 tickets at the door
TABLE RESERVATIONS — Call Rey at (956) 245-1666, Patricia at (956) 245-5005 or Blanca at (956) 970-1077.
To purchase tickets, visit the San Benito Chamber of Commerce or call (956) 361-9111.
