Texas Border Business

For the first time in two years, the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts is holding its prestigious Gala, and two Rio Grande Valley Palm Awards recipients have been invited to perform. The 26th Annual Noche de Gala Dinner will take place Tuesday, September 20, at The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection, in Washington, D.C.

In 1997, actors Jimmy Smits, Sonia Braga, Esai Morales, and Merel Julia and attorney Felix Sanchez created the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts. The NHFA seeks to advance the presence of Latinos in media, telecommunications, and entertainment, increase access for Hispanic artists and professionals, and inspire and promote new Hispanic talent.

Prominent Latino entertainers will join members of Congress, the Diplomatic Corps, federal officials, leaders from across the country, and members of the news and entertainment media at the Gala.

Palm Awards recipients Ben Trevino and Aaron Blount received a coveted invitation to perform at this year’s Gala. Treviño, a freshman at Sam Houston State University, graduated from Harlingen High School in 2022 and was a celebrated Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory actor. At the Gala, he will perform “Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. Trevino won the Palm Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Musical for his role as Miguel de Cervantes in the famed musical.

“I am a musical theatre major and made ensemble for SHSU’s musical, American Idiot,” Treviño said. “I’m incredibly excited for the NHFA Gala because it’s an experience not every aspiring artist gets to have. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and what I’m most looking forward to is performing in front of an audience again. I’ve already bought a tuxedo for this occasion and have been working diligently on the music for the event. The NHFA Gala will give me exposure to a more professional setting and experience.”

Blount, a 2022 graduate of Harlingen South High School and also an award-winning actress with the Conservatory, is a freshman at Texas Christian University. She will perform “Los Laureles” at the Gala. Blount won the Palm Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Musical for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical.

“I’m taking wonderful classes about acting and the theatre,” Blount said. “I am currently on the electrics run crew for Sweet Charity at TCU. I’m extremely excited to attend and perform at the NHFA Gala and would love to thank the Palm Awards for helping me have access to this opportunity. The exposure and connections I plan to gain from this event will be crucial for the execution of my life plans. My overarching goal in life is to be a successful actress and performer.”

Co-founder Sanchez, who is also NHFA chair, looks forward to welcoming Treviño and Blount to the Gala.  

“The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts envisioned itself as a mentor and promoter of aspiring Latino artists for whom we would unlock the gated world of Hollywood,” Sanchez said. “It was made for emerging talent like Palm Awards winners Aaron Blount and Benjamin Treviño, two brilliant musical artists who have earned their shot.”

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