In 2003 there was a new show on TV called Nashville Star.  In the finalists was a young man from Marble Falls, Texas.  Some in the group were familiar with him and every Saturday night, Teree would watch the show and then call us where ever we were when they opened the phone lines for voting.  We'd spend the next 1/2 hour dialing the number and voting.....trying to help our favorite.

The young man's name is John Arthur Martinez and while he didn't 'win', he came in second on the show and first in a lot of people's heart.  Since then, we've kept an eye on his career and....even though we didn't get to attend any of his shows....we were happy with the success he seemed to be enjoying.

Imagine our surprise....and happiness....when he called our favorite drummer, Albert Perez, to sit in with him!  Albert & Laurie went to see John in Marble Falls, then, I went with them on Sunday afternoon to see him at Gruene Hall where Albert sat in for a few songs.  He ended up traveling with John and the band to play a couple of gigs in New Mexico and then at the Texas State Fair (Laurie & I made it to that show!).

John was a teacher before turning to music full time and it shows in his interaction with kids......and they love him!   They know the words to every song and sit in the front row totally entranced by John and the music.  Don't get me wrong....it isn't just the kids!  The parents and grandparents are right behind the kids.....singing along with all the songs and totally entranced by John and the music!!

The range of music was a surprise.  John IS country.....but.....there are few other influences as well.  The first time I saw him, he did everything from Faded Love to the Eagles hit, Hotel California plus a lot of his originals. 

When Albert was telling us about the trip to New Mexico, he said every show was different.  Now.....that's what we call 'entertainment'.  Go see John soon!

www.johnarthurmartinez.net