SPC Student Performs In

Hopes of Big Break

Debra Guerrero, staff writer

Before setting up for a recent open mic night at Jake’s Sports and Bar Grill, Daniel R. Cadra, one of Lubbock’s most talented country artists, sat down to share a little bit of his personal history.

Cadra sings and plays the guitar every Thursday from 9:30 p.m. until midnight, and he sounds phenomenal. Music has always been a big part of Cadra’s life. He started playing the piano when he was 5 years old and then started playing the trumpet for 17 years. He then started playing the guitar and he hasn’t been able to put it down.

Cadra, who grew up in Andrews, has been playing for four years and sounds like he’s been playing all his life. His music is inspired by George Strait and Merle Haggard, who he believes are “true, traditional musicians.” He admires Strait because he has never changed the sound of his music as country western music evolved. According to Cadra, Strait and Haggard brought back the real meaning of country western music and his ultimate goal is to be able to do the same. He has been working hard toward that goal, practicing his music on his own and also getting public feedback by playing for audiences.

When he’s not impressing audiences with his talents as a singer and a guitar player, he attends South Plains College and takes 21 hours of commercial music courses. He also works at University Medical Center after he takes his classes.

So if you’re a fan of country western music and are looking for a place to watch and hear a genuine performance, I highly recommend watching Cadra on Thursday nights at Jake’s.