(San Benito News/Ray Quiroga)
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
The Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum has slated many events for the year.
Rather than holding their usual Noche de Ronda dance, the museum will fund scholarships for San Benito High School seniors in the Conjunto Estrella band. This one-time exception was made due to the financial difficulties the dance would cause, according to Patricia Avila, museum president and executive director.
Avila said the dance is going to be held in the future. “We decided to opt out of the dance this year… and hopefully we can bring it back next year,” said Avila.
The museum will hold several fundraisers to help the senior musicians “achieve their dreams,” according to the museum’s social media page. The museum hopes to earn at least $1,000 for the students. Some of the fundraisers include community Loteria night with a live band, membership opportunities, and other events.
In July, the museum will host its 21st annual Hall of Fame Induction Awards. “We recognize those people in the conjunto industry, musicians and non-musicians, those that play a role in the Conjunto industry,” said Avila. Avila added that there are plans to honor five musicians and one non-musician. The museum is currently still voting on who to induct and will have a full list at a later date.
Funds from the induction ceremony go directly to the museum, its education program, and the scholarships. Those who wish to advertise at the awards ceremony can do so in the physical program pamphlet given to attendees. The event will be held on July 26.
According to Avila, the ceremony has been an annual success, something she credits to the musical culture in San Benito. “The San Benito community is very passionate about the fact that Conjunto music was born here. I think the people have a great understanding of how important it is to preserve the history [of conjunto], our heritage, and our culture,” said Avila.
The museum’s newest endeavor is a 24/7 online radio station. It features conjunto alongside Tejano, Norteño, and Música Original. This is a passion project by Avila and her family, which took about four months to organize, Avila said. There will be a special inaugural live radio show featuring DJ Rudy on Saturday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Additional special guests are planned for the show.
For more information and updates, visit the museum’s official website at texasconjuntomusicmuseum.com. The radio website is available at conjuntoradio.org. The museum is located at 402 West Robertson Street, San Benito.
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