Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Galvan Ballroom
Originally built as a venue for his children's popular music band, the Ralph Galvan Orchestra, the ballroom also served as a space for wedding receptions, quinceañera, school dances, and a meeting space for various social clubs. The ballroom hosted locally and internationally acclaimed jazz, big band, swing, and conjunto acts. The space became a venue to showcase Hispanic musical acts that had developed during the 1940s and 50s.
The Galvan Ballroom helped bridge the gap between Mexican and American jazz bands, as well as help bring into the spotlight talented Hispanic musicians that may not have had access to popular jazz clubs at the time. Noteworthy jazz performers at the Galvan Ballroom during the 1950s were Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, as well as dozens of notable local and regional performers. The Galvan Ballroom's legacy cannot be overstated as a center for Hispanic musical heritage. The Galvan Ballroom is still in operation and continues to provide the area with a rich musical tradition.
Erected 2016 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18485.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.
Location. 27° 47.23′ N, 97° 24.547′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker is at the intersection of Agnes Street (State Highway 544) and 14th Street, on the right when traveling west on Agnes Street. The marker is located on the wall to the right side of the entrance to the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1632 Agnes Street, Corpus Christi TX 78401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Galvan Ballroom (a few steps from this marker); Hebrew Rest Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kelsey Memorial Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Antonio E. Garcia (approx. half a mile away); Temple Beth El (approx. 0.6 miles away); Centennial Memorial Museum (approx. 0.6 miles away); Felix Von Blucher (approx. 0.6 miles away); Captain Enrique Villarreal and Rincón del Oso Land Grant (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.
Also see . . . Quinceañera.
A quinceañera (also fiesta de quinceañera, quince años, fiesta de quince años and quinces) is a celebration of a girl's 15th birthday. It has its cultural roots in Mexico and is widely celebrated by girls throughout Latin America. The girl celebrating her 15th birthday is a quinceañera. Source: Wikipedia(Submitted on October 3, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.