may 2nd
Get ready for a night of unforgettable music and heartfelt celebration at the Farm Street Opry! On May 2nd, we're honored to commemorate the extraordinary life and service of WWII Navy Veteran, Pete Justice, on his 100th birthday. Join us as we pay tribute to Pete's century of vitality, outstanding character and contributions to our country. Plus, we're thrilled to mark a decade of exceptional musicians, talented guest entertainers, and wonderful community with the 10-year anniversary of the Farm Street Opry!
The evening will kick off with a special ceremony featuring the Bastrop ISD Junior ROTC Color Guard, along with heartfelt presentations and acknowledgments to honor Pete's service and legacy. Then, prepare to be entertained by performances from our incredible Farm Street Opry house band and the acclaimed Nash Hernandez Orchestra playing Big Band classics!
Join us as we come together to celebrate Pete Justice's remarkable journey, the Farm Street Opry's 10-year milestone, and the enduring legacy of the Nash Hernandez Orchestra. Don't miss this special evening of music, community, and heartfelt tribute.
Pete Justice enlisted in the Navy in 1942 following the Pearl Harbor attack and was assigned to the USS Laub DD613, where he participated in convoy missions to Casablanca and the invasion of Sicily, engaging enemy U-boats and conducting rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea during World War II.
After the war, Pete settled in Austin, marrying Veda (Hibbs) Justice. He served in the National Guard Reserves from 1951 to 1984, working as a mechanic at Camp Mabry. Together with Veda, they raised two daughters, and their family has since grown to include three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren- with two more on the way.
In 2019, Pete participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his nephew, Leon Justice, a Vietnam War Marine Veteran, and later joined the Gary Sinise Soaring Valor trip to the WWII museum in New Orleans. Pete's wartime experiences were later shared in an interview with the WWII Museum, highlighting his firsthand accounts.
He currently lives independently at his home and enjoys taking bike rides around his neighborhood. Pete is adored by his entire family, who appreciate his kindness and love as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and now great-great-grandfather. He enjoys attending the Farm Street Opry regularly with his best friend, Wanette Driska.
We’re honored to help celebrate Pete's remarkable 100 year journey, as he continues to inspire and be cherished by his loved ones and our community.
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Every month at the Farm Street Opry, our house band showcases their incredible talents. With years of experience and unwavering professionalism, we proudly boast that our Farm Street Opry Band stands out as the finest in the Opry circuit.
Led by the legendary Big John Mills on guitar, along with the dynamic Ruben Hernandez on drums, the versatile Craig Schmidt on steel guitar, the skilled Gary Brock on electric bass, and the talented Frank Cavitt on keyboard, our house band brings unparalleled energy and expertise to every performance. As accomplished singers and songwriters, each member infuses their unique style and charisma, ensuring every show is filled with excitement and entertainment.
Established in 1949 in Austin, Texas, by trumpeter Nash Hernandez, the Nash Hernandez Orchestra quickly became a staple of the local music scene. Hailing from Fredericksburg, Nash performed at numerous prestigious events, including weddings, quinceañeras, society balls, and even Governor Dolph Briscoe's inaugural ball and the Austin Aqua Festival. Nash's significant contributions to the city have been commemorated with a statue on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, two streets named after him in Austin, and a plaque on the Walk of Honor at the Long Center, among other honors. Following Nash's passing on June 26, 1994, his son, Ruben, seamlessly transitioned into the role of bandleader, a position he had been preparing for since childhood. Starting as a drummer with the band at age 11, Ruben continued to perform with them throughout his college years and beyond, while also exploring various musical genres with other artists. Ruben's close bond with his father led to many discussions about the band's future, culminating in Ruben's assumption of leadership. Both Nash and Ruben have been recognized as "Idolos del Barrio" by the Austin Latino Music Association for their invaluable contributions to the local music scene. Today, in addition to his role as bandleader, Ruben also showcases his drumming talents as a member of the Farm Street Opry band. The Nash Hernandez Orchestra continues to captivate audiences in various configurations, with this month's performance featuring the dynamic seven-piece septet. Join us as we celebrate the orchestra's 75th anniversary in 2024 and revel in the timeless melodies that have enchanted audiences for decades.
