#15 - David J Anzaldúa Pierce

If You Denton Know David Pierce, now you do.In this episode, we sit down with David Pierce, composer, educator, and the creative force behind Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival. David shares his journey from growing up in South Texas to becoming one of the key figures shaping Denton’s music and cultural scene. We talk about creativity, community, risk-taking, and how one Halloween show evolved into one of Denton’s most beloved annual traditions.Episode HighlightsGrowing up in Corpus Christi and being immersed in Mexican and Tex-Mex cultureDiscovering music early, from piano to trombone, and finding jazz as a teenagerComing to Denton in 1994 to attend University of North Texas and falling in love with the cityTeaching band and building an award-winning jazz program in Southlake Carroll ISDMaking the leap from teaching to full-time composing and arrangingCreating Cirque du Horror and why it became a turning point creativelyHow a grassroots block party grew into Denton’s Day of the Dead FestivalThe origins of the coffin races and why they put the festival on the mapWhat goes into running a 30,000 to 40,000 person community festivalPartnering with local businesses, artists, and breweries to keep the festival truly DentonGiving back through donations to Serve Denton, Cumberland Youth and Family Services, and other local charitiesBehind the FestivalDavid walks through the behind-the-scenes reality of planning a major outdoor festival. From grant writing and fundraising to weather risks and year-round preparation, he shares why the emotional investment is worth it when he sees the joy the festival brings to the community. What started as a $5,500 event has grown into a six-figure production that continues to give back more each year.Upcoming EventCirque du Horror Presents: A Moonlit Monster BallSaturday, February 21, 20266:00 PM to 10:00 PMPatterson Appleton Arts CenterA gothic Valentine’s season fundraiser benefiting Denton’s Day of the Dead FestivalFeaturing haunting cocktails, a chef-curated dinner, a raffle, dancing, and a special performance by Cirque du Horror’s Orchestra of the UndeadSuggested attire: elegant, spooky, monstrous Halloween gala vibes🎟️ Tickets and info available at: DentonDayOfTheDeadFestival.com