Texas Border Business
J.D. Mata originally from McAllen moved to Los Angeles in 1999 with a suitcase of talent, some musical instruments, goals and dreams. He moved there to pound the pavement as a musician and actor, and still lives there, performing music and singing regularly, at awesome venues, while making a living, getting some parts in film and moonlighting as an indie filmmaker. (See his short bio here attached)
“Moving to LA was a huge sacrifice, because I knew nobody and had no connections, but I was not deterred, and after 25 years in the biz – I still continue to claw my way to the TOP. I’m just as determined, even more hopeful-to reach the pinnacle of success in my career, that was chosen for me, as I was summoned to the City of Angeles by my DNA, the ghosts of my artistic family’s past. And for that – I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
J.D. will be visiting various venues in Texas this September, including his beloved Rio Grande Valley, where he’ll be playing music, singing and sharing his stories of all he’s been doing in LA.
On September 5, he’ll be making a stop at the Pharr Community Theater for what he calls a SOULED OUT workshop to reveal anecdotes, stories, video, film samples and facts about his indie career in Hollywood/Los Angles, where he’s been a SOLO Indie Musician; performing, composing, recording, acting and creating Music Videos and Films.
The event will be hosted by long-time RGV theatre director and co-producer, Pedro Garcia.
Alongside performing live and singing some very cool songs, J.D. will offer a world of insight on how to get started in LA and on how it’s happening for him. Performing originals and a few covers with piano and guitar, will make for a fun evening, as well as showcasing some short samples of his movies and videos. A Q&A will help wrap up the event for those wanting to know more.
Showtime:
A Souled Out Performance and Workshop with J.D. Mata, live, on September 5, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (including one short intermission) at Pharr Community Theater, 213 W Newcombe, Ave., Pharr. Tickets are on sale for $20 in advance on Eventbrite @ https://www.eventbrite.com/…/jd-mata-a-souled-out… and or at the door upon availability. (Seating is limited to 55 persons) A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pharr Community Theater, a 501 (c) 3 organization since 2008.
J.D. Mata short bio:
A seasoned Musician (Vocals, Guitar and Piano) Filmmaker, and Actor, J.D. Mata has composed 100’s of songs, performed 100’s of shows and venues throughout. He has been a regular at the legendary “Whisky a Go Go,” where he has wooed audiences with his original shamanistic musical performances. He has written and directed numerous feature films, 43, and music videos. Also, JD has appeared on various national TV commercials and shows. Memorable appearances are TRUE BLOOD (HBO) as Tio Luca, THE UPS Store National television commercial, and the lead in the Lil Wayne music video, HOW TO LOVE with over 129 million views. J.D. was also the lead, as a MOHAWK MEDICINE MAN in the spiritual based film KATERI, which won the prestigious “Capex Dei” award at the Vatican in Rome. J.D. co-starred, performed and wrote the music for the original world premier play, AN ENEMY of the PUEBLO – by one of today’s preeminent Chicana writers, Josefina Lopez! This is J.D.’s third Fringe, last year he wrote, directed and starred in the Fringe Encore Performance award winning, “A Night at the Chicano Rock Opera.” He is currently in production with two projects. First, a feature film – GLORIOUS SALVO, RHAPSODY, that is post production. And also – he is currently in season two of his hit YouTube comedy series, ROCK GOD.
