Xavier Aguilar 
SAN BENITO – The Conjunto Museum in San Benito showcases artifacts and memorabilia from conjunto legends while aiming to preserve and promote the genre.
Community Liaison for the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame and Museum, Maricela Aguilar-Ochoa, mentioned that not only will the newer generation of music lovers enjoy the museum but also the older generation.
“Everyone that walks in through this door is going to go through some kind of nostalgia because you can bring your grandparents in and they’re going to say, ‘Wow’,” said Ochoa
The museum gives glimpses into several artists that are Valley and Texas-born showcasing artifacts from conjunto legends such as Emilo and Genaro Aguilar, Eligio, and Linda Escobar, and David Lee Garza.
President of the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame and Museum, Patricia Avila emphasized the impact that conjunto music has on the valley and the world.
“It’s music that just brings a lot of happiness to people, you know? And it’s easy to dance and people just enjoy the music and the artists themselves are so passionate when they perform,” said Avila
Avila adds that the collection was maintained and collected by her father, Rey Avila Sr., A San Benito native who wanted to preserve the genre by collecting vinyl discs, clothing, and recording equipment for generations to see.
The museum hopes to finish archiving more of its artifacts and will be holding its 19th annual inductee event in July to induct six musicians and two conjunto industry figures.
