Austin, Texas — Multi-talented and award-winning musician J.R. Gomez will present his 1st Annual Toy Drive and Concert at the Spider House Ballroom in Austin on Friday, December 7. Proceeds from the event will benefit SAFE Austin, a nonprofit organization serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence.
A variety of different performers will donate their time for this event including Tejano and Conjunto artists Jess Lopez, Raphael Rodriguez, and The Conjunto Cats. Gomez will take the stage himself with his band, the Conjunto Bandits, along with special guests Tristan Ramos,Vanessa Del Fierro and Ted Hall. Rounding out the bill will be DJ Sweg, Latin rockers Boca Abajo and reggae courtesy of the Contrabandits.
This is an important project for Gomez, as he endeavors to give back to the community, especially to kids in need during the holidays. The goal, he says humbly, is to make a lot of kids happy and put smiles on their faces.
Partners of the event include, Austin non-profit organization Rancho Alegre Radio, grassroots advocacy group Hermanos de East Austin, and is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and cover charge is one unwrapped toy or $5 minimum donation, ages 21 and up are welcome.
The Spider House Ballroom is located at 2906 Fruth Street, one block east of Guadalupe on 29th Street, just north of the University of Texas campus in central Austin.
More information, including a donation wish list, is available at ranchoalegreradio.org or in the Facebook event here.
After decades in the music business with Tejano groups Kumbia All Starz, Jay Perez, Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz and many others, accordionist and vocalist J.R. Gomez struck out on his own in early 2018 with his own four-piece Conjunto called J.R. Gomez y Los Conjunto Bandits. His sound is stripped-down and traditional with fiery accordion, a tight rhythm section, and a rock star vibe.
SAFE is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both long-standing and respected human service agencies in Austin serving survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. SAFE’s goal is ambitious and simple: stop abuse for everyone. Learn more about our services and programs at safeaustin.org.
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