Enjoy music and helping

Afew years ago, local musician Eddie “Kegger” Gutierrez passed away. His friends, after his death, discovered his passing was associated with an illness that has affected many Latinos for years — diabetes. Every year after Kegger’s death, his brother Karl Gutierrez and several friends, have honored Eddie with a nonprofit organization who’s size is inversely proportional to their desire to contribute to the Valley’s underserved community.

Karl and his friends Paul Zamarripa and Jose Leo Cital co-founded what is now known as Friends of Kegger.

According to FOK’s mission statement, among their goals, are to provide financial support to the community, especially families of Imperial Valley cities, towns, townships and municipalities who are distressed and financially challenged for funeral costs of an untimely death of their child, as well as to assist diabetic, cancer research, particularly for children. The organization also offers to reconnect parents with their child in the occurrence of injury to their child that requires relocation for advanced medical support. Besides, FOK assists in the financial support for higher education through a scholarship.

As part of the organization’s effort to raise funds to accomplish its goals, members hold an annual event called Lupepalooza Chuckfest. The peculiar name was formed when Lupe and Chuck, two young local musicians, died in a car accident and, like in Kegger’s case; their relatives decided to name the event in their honor as well.

The inaugural two-day Lupepalooza Chuckfest three years ago, was able to receive the support of 16 bands. Back then, about 100 people attended the very first edition. The first three festivals were held in Calexico.

This year, organizers had scheduled Lupepalooza Chuckfest for Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 at Pentagonal Brewing Company located at 115 N. Imperial Ave. in Imperial.

This year, the organization has received the helping hand of IV Music Collective, whom you can find on Facebook under that same name. This artistic collective seeks to promote local bands and singers of a whole distinct arrange of music genres.

In total, organizers plan to present 25 local bands during the weekend. The musical mosaic is highlighted by Los Hijos del Hombre band, whom had taken part of all four Lupepalooza Chuckfests. The lineup also includes Nidia Flores, Slab Gram, Yochee, Miguel Arballo & Co., Chico Suave, Spaztik, Family Tree Analog, Dense Ivan, OCD and Lock n Load on Friday. The next day gets even better: Rella, Jason, Milio, Did I Ask?, Above the Hour, Vile Humor, Gravity Grave, Abocajarro, The Eurekas, Nonverbal Expression, Seven Prophecies, Los Esmiths (who cover one of my favorite rock bands English rockers The Smiths), Vivo Tropical, Krook Tone Classics, Klandestino and Epic 18.

FOK Board Secretary Maricella Moreno said all bands play on a volunteer basis.

Central Union High School graduate and local singer Ricky Garcia was last year’s winner of this event, earning himself a free record demo. The organization is offering the same this year to the 2018 winner.

So, if you would love to enjoy the music created by some of the acts the Valley has on its menu, please attend this year’s Lupepalooza Chuckfest. Entrance costs only $5. With that Abraham Lincoln bill, you will also contribute to a scholarship for a student to continue his/her college music education. Arturo Bojorquez is Adelante Valle Editor.