Tony "Ham" Guerrero Tribute

An unprecedented number of musicians turned up at the H&H Ballroom in Austin to pay a musical tribute to the founder of Tortilla Factory.

Tony “Ham” Martínez Guerrero passed on, on Saturday, and the pre-scheduled tribute went on as planned the next day.

In spite of the somber occasion, it was also joyful as everyone recalled their happy times with Ham.

Looking around at the many living-musical legends in attendance, I walked in when Manuel “Cowboy” Donley was performing as Arturo Iglesias, who played drums for Isidro; Moe Garza and Rene Sandoval, who headed his own orchestra, were enjoying his performance from a table close to the stage. Was I in a Jurassic Park of Tejano dinosaurs? What a sight for any historian.

Jerry Avila, Manny “El Picante” García and others did a great job of introducing each act and bestowed many kind words upon many of those present.

No one missed going to Tony’s wife Norma, his daughter Laura and sons Alfredo, Sergio and Sean to offer their condolences.

On stage, Alfonso Ramos and Augustine Ramírez sang some of their hits as Shark López, the founder and former publisher of Lowrider Magazine looked on.

At the door, Fiesta Musical television host Isidro López checked each press members credentials as Tómas De León show some footage for the show.

Musicians and singers, such as Denver’s Gary Naranjo, came from all over the United States to pay homage to a great trumpet player. And the highlight of the evening came when Arturo “Sauce” González led a lineup of the state’s best trumpet players in a massive, monster jam session. They were followed by several top-notched saxophonists, a flutist and even a harmony player.

The only trumpet players that didn’t toot their horn were Skeeter Amesquite and George Cantú, a former Latin Breed and Sunliners member.

Radio was represented by Derik Strelsky and Roney Castor of KRXT 98.5 in Rockdale, Texas. In addition, Margo Morones and his crew from www.atminhd.net transmitted worldwide and live via the internet radio station.

Rubén Ramos’ Mexican Revolution, Latin Express and other musicians wrapped up the evening with an unforgettable grand finale.

It was an emotional roller coaster ride to say the least and many, as this writer, were at a loss for words. Hence, this is my lead in to this photo story. The pictures say it all.

Arturo "Sauce" Gonzalez n Norma "Ham's widow                        Alfredo Guerrero n Leo Saenz of Latin Express                             Ruben Ramos n Ham's daughter Laura

Aturo Iglesias n Orchestra Leader Rene Sandoval                         Manuel "Cowboy" Donley, in his 80s, provided a blast from the past .            Tomas De Leon n Isidro Lopez of "Fiesta Musical television show

Shark Lopez (founder ,Lowrider Magazine) treked in from California            Jerry Avila, host of "Prime Time Tejano" television show              At 74 Alfonso Ramos was one of the youngest oldie  to perform

Grace Escobedo with Alfredo                                                    Latin Express backing up Augustine Ramirez ( black hat )             Latin Express also backed Manuel "Cowboy" Donley

Estevan Saenz is Leo's son, plying w/Latin Express since childhood days.           Augustine Ramirez, backed by Jesse Hernandez, on guitar                       Mariza Saenz Olmos not only plays kyboard but also sings.

Leader of the Jeff Lofton Quartet improvised some cool sounds.                         Mr.Unforgetable, Leo Saenz                                Wild Bill Perkins, reputation precedes him as he proves it again

Fabian Hernandez shined on his Tenor Sax                                  Louie Bustos "above" Geraldo De Los Santos & John Ontiveros w/Bustos                       Mitchell Quintanilla doing the right stuff

Al Gomez & Pete Diaz of the "Spotlight Show" joined in with his flute          Arturo "Sauce" Gonzalez lead a massive brass section                  Robert Chavez of Universal Tejano Coalition was in from Dallas

Cantu n Gus Garza of KPFT in Houston.                                                                                                H&H Ballroom in Austin was the site of "Ham's" Tribute 

                          Tony's son's , Alfredo Antonio Guerrero, Good friend, Sergio Alfredo Guerrero " Board of Director's of ALMA" & Sergio Guerrero

                 Alfonso, Ruben's brother, another branch of the Ramos tree                                     Gary "G"  Naranjo was here from a mile high "Denver"  &  brought the snow with him, thanks alot

                                                                    Ruben Ramos & the Texas Revolution band, ham it all up on stage so tight that Ruben lost that White glove

                                                                    Most of the Texas Press Corp was on hand to cover Tony "Ham" Guerrero & the Tortilla Factory's Tribute