HOUSTON – Ben Chavez has performed on Broadway, toured the country and entertained audiences from behind the piano. Now, the singer-songwriter is putting his own story in the spotlight — with original music, heartfelt storytelling and, naturally, a little glitter.
Chavez’s concept album “Last Day, County Fair” is coming to life as a full-length stage concert. The production follows a young musician growing up in a small town as he searches for his identity and discovers the people and moments that help shape who he becomes.
The show explores identity, family, belonging and self-discovery, drawing from Chavez’s own experience coming out as a queer person, as well as his husband’s very different small-town journey. The result is what Chavez describes as a musical diary — one filled with 13 original songs, live music and a whole lot of heart.
And this is no small production. Chavez will perform at the piano alongside seven performers and an eight-piece band. The concert-style show also incorporates storytelling and movement, creating a world that is both personal and celebratory.
“Last Day, County Fair” began as a Performing Arts Houston New/Now commission in 2024. Since then, it has grown into a full evening of theater and music. Its world premiere is part of Performing Arts Houston’s 60th Anniversary Season.
Chavez’s single “Golden Era,” the song that inspired the album, is already streaming. He originally wrote it for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, to celebrate people who shine brightly even in places that may feel a little more muted.
So why does Chavez call this project his “Golden Era”? You’ll have to hear him explain it — and see him perform — in the video above.
“Last Day, County Fair” runs Sept. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater. Tickets start at $29. Get your ticket(s) before the show sells out.
Follow Ben’s musical journey — and catch a little glitter along the way — on Instagram at @benchavezmusic.
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