Selena Tribute Band Honors the Life of the Late Tejana Legend

By Andrés Calixto

Reporting Texas TV

AUSTIN, Texas – Selena Quintanilla tribute band Las Chicas en 512 celebrated the singer’s life with a tribute performance on April 6 at Vinyl Beauty Bar for Selena Day.

The band performed songs such as “La Carcacha” and “Qué Creías” for fans to enjoy.

Band member Laura Olvera organized the event ahead of Selena’s birthday on April 16 and shortly after the anniversary of her March 31, 1995 death. She said Selena’s influence continues to grow even after all these years.

“Her music is so timeless. Everyone plays it all the time at events. There are so many decades of families that continue to play her music and share it with the newer generations,” Olvera said.

Las Chicas en 512 perform at Vinyl Beauty Bar in Austin, Texas, on April 6, 2024. (Andrés Calixto/Reporting Texas TV)

It’s been nearly 30 years since she died and fans still remember their favorite childhood memory of Selena.

“She was playing a concert in McAllen, and I begged my parents to take me. It was my first concert ever. I was in the first row, I loved it,” Arturo Longoria said.

He witnessed the heartbreaking news of Selena’s death later that year. The singer would have turned 53 this year.

“It was tragic. It was sad. I was crying. I was so young I had never seen anyone die so young like that. Someone I was really enamored with, it really hit me,” Longoria said.

While tragic memories from the day live on, so do the pleasant ones made Saturday night. Fans had a night to remember as they danced and sang along to their favorite Selena songs.

Fans watch Las Chicas en 512 perform in Austin, Texas on April 6, 2024. (Andrés Calixto/Reporting Texas TV)

“She’s really important to Chicano culture. I’m raising two daughters and I want them to feel empowered and know about their culture,” Gloria Bedolla said.

“My daughters grew up hearing Selena songs in the backseat of my car, so I love to share that love for Selena with other people.” 

The more than 100 people who attended showed love and appreciation for the Tejana star.

“Seeing everyone enjoy themselves and giving themselves permission to soak up the Selena music and let loose— that was beautiful,” Olvera said. “I couldn’t have dreamt for the event to go any more perfect than it did.”