(Seguin) — Friends, family and fans will all be rallying behind a former Tejano musician from Seguin who is need of a kidney transplant.
A concert and washer tournament are being organized this Saturday for Jesse Gonzales, a member of the former Tejano Band Tierra Tejana. Jesse was among the band of brothers and friends who began playing in the band in the 60s and continued over several decades. The Seguin band, which performed internationally, is still recognized today as one of the most influential Tejano bands in the industry.
Jesse recently was diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure. Now although a transplant is said to be in the near future, family members say their hope is to raise funds to help offset not only medical costs but all other costs associated with just day to day life and recovery.
Daughter Juliana Gonzales says the fundraiser will be held at the Warehouse and Soel Venue located just next door to each other in downtown Seguin. She says the event will include both day and night events giving everyone the chance to show their support.
“I do have a GoFund me page set-up for those out of town people who are unable to attend and who want to contribute someway, somehow but this weekend on Saturday at around 12:30 p.m., I do have a washer tournament going on and that will last maybe a good three hours. We do have prizes for the first, second and third place from Spurs tickets to cash in hand. That will go on for the daytime at the Warehouse and then right next to the Warehouse, it’s actually attached to it. The owner of the Warehouse actually purchased that and flipped it and made it a very beautiful venue inside and he donated that to us. So, that’s where the actual dance will be held. Doors open at 6 p.m. and Tierra Tejana will perform along with some other local Seguin bands. Pre-sale tickets are $10. People can reach out to me via Facebook, text me, call me and I what I’m actually doing to make it easier and more convenient is I’m not actually really handing out tickets. What I’m doing is taking people’s names and how many tickets they want to purchase and their telephone number and I’m still giving them that option as long as they contact me to pay the pre-sale price at the door and if they do not contact me and they show up on the day of, I am charging $15 to get in,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales says the crowd is especially looking forward to the performance by Tierra Tejana. After putting down its instruments in 1995, the band resurfaced in 2013 for its Reunion and Legacy Tour Concert but have not joined together on stage publicly for at least two to three years.
Other musical acts scheduled for Saturday’s concert include DJ G Sounds, Take 2 Trio, Musica and Conjunto Cats.
Gonzales says although this has been a stressful time for her family, planning the fundraiser has helped by seeing all the support and encouragement for her father.
“The support is very overwhelmingly. I find myself getting emotional and you know everyone who has called me — this is how I know my dad has been so in touch with the community event outside of the Seguin area. I’ve had people call me and they have stories. Your dad helped me with this or your dad and your uncles, the band, they were there for this. They were there for that. Stuff that I wasn’t even born for or even remember but just to hear all these stories of what the community has told me and of course, him raising me. This man has the biggest heart ever on earth and never raises his voice. He’s always calm. He is so sincere. He is so sweet and even through this process of his life is about to change, he is still the sweetest, kindest man ever. I still hear stories now like ‘I saw your dad at Walmart. He looks so awesome. He is in high spirits.’ It’s always good to hear these stories. My dad means the world to me. I’m an only child. I was a daddy’s girl. Him being in this band — you know he had a job but he was able to be there for me during the day. I always spent time with him. We watched football together. I have all those memories so this benefit (all) coming together, it’s definitely opened my eyes to see how much he is in touch with his fans,” said Gonzales.
Saturday’s event will also include a raffle featuring prizes such as Spurs tickets and an assortment of gift cards. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. Those wishing to buy concert tickets may do so in advance by calling 830-556-7176. Each pre-sale ticket purchased will also automatically enter individuals into the raffle. Concert tickets at the door are $15.
Entry for the washer tournament is $40 a team. Prizes will be given for first, second and third place. Those wishing to enter a team are asked to contact April Paez at 682-333-3215. The Warehouse is located at 1