Museum to host Mothers Day event

EDINBURG -- The Museum of South Texas History plans to treat Rio Grande Valley mothers next week to a day of classical guitar music, chocolate, and of course, exhibits.

This is the first year the museum is hosting its Mother's Day concert, featuring the music of the classical guitar quartet Quartetto Ziyriab and chocolate treats from Arte y Chocolate in McAllen, said Joel Garza, the museum's spokesman.

Those who attend the May 10 event, running from 2 to 4 p.m., will also be able to visit the museum's exhibits.

The museum has special events around holidays in hopes of bringing more people in, and especially wanted to do something to honor the Valley's mothers, Garza said.

"This one really holds near and dear to people of the Valley's hearts," he said.

He and Gilbert Taunton, who teaches beginner guitar lessons at the museum, decided to have a concert for mothers and their families.

Taunton, a member of the quartet, said he and his fellow musicians plan to play a wide range of music, including mariachi favorites.

Since the event will take place in a museum, people will also receive a little history lesson about the classical guitar and its influence in the area's music.

The guitar was brought over from Spain with the conquistadors and gained popularity in the New World, Taunton said.

Taunton said he hopes the concert will strike a chord with listeners and encourage them to take up guitar.

The event is included in the museum's admission, which is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, students ages 12 and older and those serving in the military, $4 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 years old and younger.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.