Festivities set for 3rd annual Mas Amor Fest at TLU
(Seguin) — Chrome, culture, and community will take center stage this weekend as Más Amor Fest returns to Texas Lutheran University — bringing with it a parade of lowriders, Tejano sounds, live graffiti art, and a full day celebrating veterans and the Seguin community.
The free event runs from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and is being hosted by the Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS), the Mexican American Student Association (MASA), and local veteran partners.
Dr. César Silva, director for the Center for Mexican American Studies and assistant professor of Mexican American Studies, says the festival is designed with a purpose.
“Our idea is to bring people out there and show you that you are welcome here anytime. It’s a cultural celebration for sure. It’s a veteran’s celebration for sure. We have a variety of different parts of the culture like mariachi music – we have live muralists – we have a car show, two DJs, the main concert and all of this to simply show we are here too. Seguin please, you are always welcome here and always think of us as part of the community because that’s what we want to be,” said Silva.
This year’s Más Amor Fest includes a list of attractions including a large-scale lowrider and classic car show, live graffiti murals, vendor markets, food booths, turkey giveaways every 15 minutes, an art gallery exhibit, and a daytime music showcase featuring local performers.
Silva says the festival’s newest and most anticipated addition, however, will be an evening concert lineup.
From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., folks are invited to enjoy the music of Amanda Solis, who pays tribute to Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Jason Cano (a.k.a. DJ Kane) will perform.
He was lead vocalist for the Kumbia Kings from 1999 to 2003, and the Kumbia All Starz from 2008 to 2010. And finally, at 8:30 p.m., Grammy-nominated singer Frankie J will take the stage. Organizers say he first gained recognition as a member of A.B. Quintanilla’s Kumbia Kings before launching a successful solo career with hits like “Don’t Wanna Try,” “Obsession (No Es Amor),” and the Baby Bash collaboration “Suga Suga.” They say, “blending R&B, pop, and Latin influences, Frankie J has earned Platinum certifications, topped Billboard charts, and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with both English and Spanish albums, including his acclaimed Faith, Hope y Amor.”
Silva says the groups are also excited to be host for the 1969 Chevy Impala as featured in the film Selena.
“We were able to get into contact with the owner, and he will be here, and Selena’s car will be here from the movie and so it’s a free opportunity. It will be placed in front of our Más Amor mural here in the food court area and everybody is welcome to come out and take a picture with it,” said Silva.
A new free kid’s zone (with the exception of pony rides) will also be on site for local families. Plus, as Silva mentioned, the event will include a free turkey raffle giveaway from noon to 5 p.m. He says every hour, six guests will be selected to take home a free turkey. Entry in raffle is free and open to all attendees.
The Lowrider/Classic Car/Truck/Bike Show is also still accepting entries.
Registration is free. Participants will be competing for $500 in cash prizes. To register a vehicle, visit masamorfest.com.