SAN BENITO — Conjunto music enthusiasts will be able to hear and witness the talent of a local up and coming musician.
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center (NMCAC) will kickoff its first Conjunto Nights of the new year Thursday, Feb. 20.
The event will be held at The Historic La Villita Dance Hall and will feature 18-year-old artist David “Chucky” Martinez y Su Conjunto.
Admission for the event costs $5.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.
According to NMCAC Director Rogelio T. Nunez, the 3rd Thursday Conjunto Nights was created four years ago.
He said he believes it’s important for people to know there are conjunto musicians out there.
“The idea is to bring conjunto bands and give them a two-hour exposure,” he said. “It’s a way of keeping the culture alive, the music alive and it gives a space to these musicians that gives them more publicity and recognition.”
About the artist
Martinez began his career in the music industry when he was 5 years old.
By the age of 12, he was performing with Frutty Villarreal y Los Mavericks, Grupo Inevitable and Los Angeles Del Sur.
While in high school, he learned how to play the accordion and discovered his passion for this instrument.
According to Nunez, Martinez’s family has been in the music business for a long time.
His grandfather was a singer and an accordionist.
Additionally, Martinez’s father was the lead singer for Ruben Vela y Su Conjunto.
Martinez said one of the prominent influences in his music career was Vela.
“Ruben’s music has always caught my attention and he is my idol,” Martinez stated in a press release.
He said he wants to follow in Vela’s footsteps and become an accordion icon like the late legendary musician.
During high school, Martinez joined the Warrior Conjunto group, which was under the direction of conjunto master accordionist Juan Antonio Tapia, of Gilberto Perez y Su Conjunto.
Martinez graduated from Santa Rosa ISD in 2019.
Since graduating from high school, Martinez has continued his musical aspirations while he attends college and helps his brother with his lawn care business.
According to a press release, Los 2Gs accordionist Hector Gonzalez persuaded Martinez to record under his recording label named “Que Chevere Productions.”
Additionally, the press release states Gonzalez helped Martinez learn new songs and encouraged him to join a band.
Martinez recorded his first album “Rolas Del Pasado.”
Martinez said he plans to continue pursuing the music industry as far as he can, until he can’t do it anymore.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center (NMCAC) was founded in October 29, 1991.
The NMCAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the cultural heritage of the Mexican American Community.
According to NMCAC members, the nonprofit was named after the Father of Texas Mexican Conjunto music and it is the leading Mexican American Arts Center in the Valley.
IF YOU GO
WHAT — Third Thursday Conjunto Nights
ARTIST — David Martinez y Su Conjunto
WHEN — Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
DOORS OPEN — 6 p.m.
WHERE — The Historic La Villita Dance Hall, 261 West Robertson Street, San Benito
ADMISSION — $5
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/rmwj3y6
