On Sunday, May 17, 2009 a special tribute will be made to a former Austin Panther (class of 1971) who is suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease. His name is Henry Santaella and he grew up on Lebanon Street where his mother still lives. Henry's wife, Mary Kay, was also an Austin graduate (class of 1971).Henry was a drummer with the Jazz Fusion Group MAGIC. They were the only ones in El Paso playing this kind of challenging blend of Jazz/Rock in the mid 70's when most of the public was intoxicated with disco.
Sadly, Henry is seriously ill and therefore several musicians including are putting the group back together one more time and playing at a combination concert and buffet. Included in the band are: Robert Vance (class of 1971), Andre Casillas (class of 1975), Oscar Ayala (class of 1979), Glen Leffler, Ruben Castillo and Roland Guerrero (the brother of former Newman Park board member, Sergio Guerrero).
The tribute will take place at the Lancers Club East, 3135 Trawood from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The doors open at 2:00 p.m. and a $40.00 minimum donation includes the buffet.
Special musical guests include jazz greats Billy Townes, Jim Foster, Marty Olivas and Demetrius Williams.
Tickets are available at 533-8311 ext. 104.
The tribute is a labor of love as Henry and Mary Kay have not only been devastated by his illness but their medical bills are astronomical.
1 comment:
I am a personal friend of Henry's sister, Christina Santaella. I met Henry, he is a wonderful energetic and very sociable young man. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Rose Cordova
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