On October 15, 2015, Austin Mayor Steve Adler proclaimed the day as Austin Tejano Music Coalition Day, in recognition of the non-profit organization’s efforts to preserve and promote Tejano music in the city. Eight years later, Austin Tejano Music Coalition (ATMC) board members Aggie Sanchez and Christina Gonzalez were inducted into the Austin Hispanic Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon them for their outstanding contributions to the Tejano music scene.
Sanchez and Gonzalez are the dynamic duo behind the Austin Tejano Music Coalition, a group of volunteers who share a passion for Tejano music and culture. They joined the organization in 2006 and 2009, respectively, and since then they have been instrumental in launching several initiatives that have helped revitalize Tejano music in Austin.
One of their most successful projects is Tejano Idol, a statewide talent search for aspiring Tejano singers. The competition, which is sponsored by Freddie Records and Encino Broadcasting, attracts hundreds of contestants every year who compete for cash prizes and a recording contract. The grand finale is held in October, where the top 16 finalists perform in front of celebrity judges and a live audience. The event is hosted by Tejano legend Shelly Lares, who also mentors the contestants throughout the process.
Another initiative that Sanchez and Gonzalez spearheaded is the annual Brown Santa Toy Drive, a fundraiser in cooperation with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office that collects toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season. The toy drive is supported by Tejano 1600 AM, a radio station that Sanchez and Gonzalez helped bring Tejano music back to the airwaves in Austin. The toy drive culminates with a dance at H&H Ballroom, where attendees can enjoy live performances by Tejano stars such as Marcos Orozco while donating toys for a good cause.
In 2017, Sanchez and Gonzalez also organized the Tejano Heritage Celebration at the State Capitol, a historic event that marked the 10th anniversary of the Austin Tejano Music Coalition. The celebration featured a concert by some of the biggest names in Tejano music. The event drew thousands of people who danced and sang along to their favorite Tejano tunes on the Capitol grounds.
These are just some of the many achievements that Sanchez and Gonzalez have accomplished as part of the Austin Tejano Music Coalition, a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to ensure that Tejano music is included in the Live Music Capital of the World. Their dedication and enthusiasm have earned them the respect and admiration of their peers, their fans, and their community. They are truly deserving of being inducted into the Austin Hispanic Hall of Fame, and of being celebrated as Austin Tejano Music Coalition Day.
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