Cecy Treviño getting ready to dig into an amazing pizza at House of Rock
photo by Visit Corpus Christi
all other art courtesy of Cecy Treviño
Meet musician Cecy Treviño, founder and executive director of Chicas Rock music camp for girls ages 5-17 in Corpus Christi.
Cecy came to town in 2003 with La Conquista, a wild Latin rock band of five women from Monterrey, Mexico, who signed to Q-Zone Records, home of the Quintanilla family and legendary diva, Selena. Cecy loved Corpus Christi so much, and wanted to help build the music scene here, that she stayed and launched Chicas Rock with its first summer camp in 2010.
1. What were your first impressions of Corpus Christi?
When I first came to Corpus Christi, Mr. Q [Abraham Quintanilla, Selena’s dad] drove us down to the bayfront by Cole Park. I saw the amphitheater and this beautiful park right on the water and thought, “Wow! This is so cool!”
Cecy Trevino (bottom, in hat) with some of the rockin’ chicas from Chicas Rock
There's a really good music scene in Corpus Christi – lots of great musicians and artists making their thing happen. When La Conquista would play, little girls would ask us, “How do you do it? How are you in a band?” There were no places for people to learn music or how to work with other musicians, especially for girls. I saw a need for people to empower each other with music.
2. What bands are you in now?
Master Blaster Sound System (Cecy and Dusty are 2nd and 3rd from the left)
I am in Master Blaster Sound System. It's Spanish music – cool cumbia crunk – mixed with everything we've ever heard. [laughs] If you've heard El Dusty [popular Corpus Christi-native DJ and Cecy’s husband], you get an idea. We started by being the live band for Dusty, then the collaboration evolved into a band.
Recently, I was also in the South Texas punk rock band, The Knockouts. But, I’ve been taking a break to prepare for my wedding to Dusty in December.
3. When you have out-of-town guests, where do you take them?
Guests want to see the bayfront. They ask about Selena and want to see the statue at Mirador de la Flor. We go see bands at House of Rock, to Hester’s for brunch or to Nuevo Café. We love La Jaivita, a great Mexican seafood place that looks like a little boat and has loud music and lots of personality. If there are festivals or something going on at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, we take them.
Some of our guests have been surprised that there is so much happening here. Every time we host friends, they’re like, “We love Corpus Christi!” Of course, not every day is Dia de los Muertos or Fiesta de la Flor, so it’s not like there is always a massive festival, but it’s nice to show it off. Often they are surprised that the city is bigger than they imagined.
4. Can you recommend any great late-night places?
Dusty and I love to drive around at night and discover fun things. Over on Port Avenue, near Baldwin Boulevard [Central], they have these amazing taco trucks. I love the delicious baked potatoes and corn-in-a-cup! Sometimes, it's like a party – everything all lit up, people hanging out outside. We can take our little dog – our four-pound Chihuahua named Sasha!
Cecy Trevino (center) playing bass with The Knockouts
After the clubs close, there aren't too many late night places in Corpus Christi, so usually we wait until the morning and go to Sonny's Barbacoa. It's a really cool, locally owned place. We have barbacoa, menudo or chicharrones. Or if we can’t wait until 6am, we might go to Whataburger by the Bay.
5. Cecy’s 10 favorite things to tell people about Corpus Christi!
Video still from the awesome Master Blaster Sound System video “ARIKITAN!”
- It's a great city!
- There is no traffic!
- It’s inexpensive!
- It's calm!
- It's peaceful!
- It's not crazy!
- If you want to come hang out with your friends, you can
- Or bring your family – you can't go wrong!
- There are so many great things! Padre Island! North Beach! The Texas State Aquarium! Music! Great daytrips to small towns like Port Aransas! So much more!
- It's perfect! And we are here and always love to receive everyone with open arms!
How can you go wrong with a heartfelt endorsement like that? Gather your crew, your fam, the kids, whomever you like to travel with, and come check out all the fabulous attractions and sights that Corpus Christi insiders like Cecy love about this sparkling city!
While you pack for your coastal trip, enjoy a little bit of Corpus Christi genius from cumbia cool kids, Master Blaster Sound System:
