Martinez set to perform at Comfort Music in the Park

COMFORT – Comfort Music in the Park will feature the music of John Arthur Martinez at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The free concert takes place in Comfort Park, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

From the Sixth Street clubs in his birthplace of Austin to the Alpine festivals in Switzerland and from music venues in Paris, France, to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, John Arthur Martinez has proven his music grades on stages all over, information from the Comfort Chamber of Commerce stated.

“He acknowledges that he is among the fortunate few that can make a living doing what they love,” the information stated.

“I write, record and perform songs,” Martinez said. “And, in doing so, I bare my soul, meet new souls and see the world."

The Austin native had the urge to perform the Texas style of country he loved since grade school, and sneaking into an Asleep at the Wheel show while he was still underage only made it worse, information in a press release stated. He was performing weekly in local clubs by the time he graduated college, playing songs by George Strait, Dan Fogelberg, Hank Williams and the Beatles.

Martinez moved to Tucson, Arizona, to attend graduate school, but before long he decided to leave his studies and move back to Austin to seriously pursue a future in music. After numerous trips to Nashville and constant gigging, Martinez released his first album, “Spinning Our Wheels,” in 1998 and sold it at his shows.

But it was the American Idol-styled country television show “Nashville Star” that would break him into the mainstream, information stated. In 2004, he finished second on “Nashville Star,” and his album, “Lone Starry Night,” was released.  This was followed by his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

“His flowing melodies carry stories told by a true Texas songwriter and his songs have been covered by many independent artists and a couple of major acts, such as Flaco Jimenez and Alan Jackson,” the press release stated. “He keeps on writing, performing and recording.”

His 14th CD, “For the Love of Western Swing (& Other Love Songs),” can be heard on Americana, Texas and International country radio.

Music in the Park is a free concert series sponsored by Gaddis United Methodist Church and the Comfort Chamber of Commerce.