The Courier of Montgomery County reports that Conroe’s Young Texas Artists 40th Anniversary celebration in March will feature a special guest, the king of western swing music, Ray Benson.
Founder of the western swing group Asleep at the Wheel, Benson will take on the job of master of ceremonies on March 8th at the Young Texas Artists Music Competition Finalist’s Concert and Awards program. He will also perform later that evening at the YTA After-Party.
The entire event runs March 6th through 8th.
Founded in 1983, Young Texas Artists is a nonprofit presenter of music competitions and events, cultural enrichment outreach and career development programs. A few years later, a formalized version of the competition came along.
Young classical musicians living in Texas can receive professional guidance, mentoring and highly sought after performance experience. Those who are affiliated with a Texas school or who are residents and age 18 to 30 can enter the contest.
Piano, voice, strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp and guitar are the categories for contestants. A share of forty-thousand dollars in monetary prizes is available. Career mentoring and performance opportunities are also included.
On the afternoon of March 8th, the Stars at Night gala, will celebrate the competition’s 40th anniversary. Rick and Jamie Hamm of Conroe and Gil and Debra Staley of The Woodlands are this year’s honorary co-chairs. In YTA’s Grand Pavilion, directly in front of Crighton Theatre at 234 Mains Street, the Stars at Night Gala begins at 5 PM.
Just across the sidewalk, at 7:30 PM, attendees can walk to the Crighton Theatre for the Young Texas Artists Music Competition Finalists’ Concert and Awards.
Guests are invited to return to the Grand Pavilion for the YTA After-Party sponsored by the Conroe Service League, following the concert and awards program. Ray Benson will be performing.
To buy concert-only tickets, go to the Crighton Theatre website or call 936-441-SHOW.
