The king of western swing music Ray Benson will be a special guest at Conroe’s Young Texas Artists 40th Anniversary celebration in March.
Benson, founder of western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, will be the master of ceremonies at the Young Texas Artists Music Competition Finalists’ Concert & Awards Program on March 8. Later that night, the 10-time Grammy Award winner will perform for guests at the YTA After-Party.
Here’s what to know about the Conroe-based music competition and the March 6-8 event.
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What is Young Texas Artists?
Young Texas Artists, founded in 1983, is a nonprofit presenter of music competitions and events, career development programs and cultural enrichment outreach. A formalized competition came a few years later.
The nationally acclaimed competition provides professional guidance, mentoring and highly sought performance experience to young classical musicians residing in Texas. The YTA contest is open to classical artists, ages 18-30 (20-32 for Voice), who are Texas residents or affiliated with a Texas music school.
Categories include Voice; Piano; Strings; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar. Contestants vie for a share of $40,000 in monetary prizes, along with career mentoring and performance opportunities.
The three-day competition March 6-8 and finalists concert on March 8 take place in downtown Conroe the second weekend of March each year. The Stars at Night gala, also on the afternoon of March 8, will celebrate the competition’s 40th anniversary.
This year’s honorary gala co-chairs are Rick and Jamie Hamm of Conroe and Gil and Debra Staley of The Woodlands.
About Benson
As the driving force behind Asleep at the Wheel for more than 50 years, Benson has overseen the release of more than 30 albums. In addition to his Grammy awards, Benson’s accomplishments and honors include 2011 Texan of the Year, 2011 Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Multimedia, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, and official Texas State Musician in 2004, according to information from the Young Texas Artists Competition.
“Ray Benson epitomizes Texas music, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that he’ll be part of an evening showcasing YTA’s 40-year legacy in the Lone Star State,” YTA President/CEO Susie Moore Pokorski said. “The Stars at Night is about more than honoring a milestone anniversary, though. This epic celebration is also a deeply felt thank you to those who’ve supported us over the years and make it possible for YTA to support emerging classical artists and inspire their audiences.”
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Plans for the competition
The event begins March 6 with performances in the Wind, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar divisions at the Crighton Theatre. On March 7, those in the Strings and Voice Division perform. The Piano Division wraps up preliminary competition March 8 also at the Crighton.
The Stars at Night gala begins with a 5 p.m. reception March 8 in YTA’s Grand Pavilion, directly in front of Crighton Theatre at 234 N. Main Street.
The evening features a barbecue dinner, classic country music by Bill Mock and The 105 Band, YTA’s Spring Art Show and Sale curated by Joseph Staley, a raffle and a live auction led by Lyn Howard. The gala master of ceremonies will be Craig Stephan.
At 7:30 p.m., attendees can walk to the Crighton Theatre, just across the sidewalk, for the Young Texas Artists Music Competition Finalists’ Concert & Awards.
Following the concert and awards program, guests are invited to return to the Grand Pavilion for the YTA After-Party sponsored by the Conroe Service League. This portion of the night includes champagne toasts to the competition finalists, desserts, dancing and the Lone Star Bar with wine and beer along with the opportunity to hear Benson perform.
How to go
Currently, the gala is nearly sold out. To make reservations, visit the reservations form online.
YTA also offers concert-only tickets, which are $35 for general admission and $16 for students. Group rates are available for groups of eight or more. To purchase concert-only tickets, visit the Crighton Theatre website or call 936-441-SHOW.
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