OFFICIAL RESULTS

CD IS AVAILABLE NOW AT  BOTTOM OF PAGE

AND THE WINNERS ARE

Story & Photos by Ramón Hernández

Gabriel Martínez’s "Surprise,AZ" interpretation of Jim Wahl’s "Yo Soy Un Inmigrante" ("I Am An Immigant") beat out Friday’s night’s final Sing for Hope and Justice competition.

René René (Ornelas) SA,TX took second place with "Hay Que Hacer Batalla" ("We Have to Make War"), Jorge Alejandro Knott ,SA,TX placed third with "Levantar La Voz" ("Raise Your Voice") and 10-year-old Lucia Barragan’s Manteca,,CA  "Paloma de Paz" ("Peace Dove") took 4th place.

What was ironic is that it was a Phoenix, Arizona-based Anglo Saxon who wrote the winning tune.

"That’s proof that not everyone in Arizona is against Mexican immigrants," Martínez said in an interview following their win.

"Jim got obsessed with the whole immigrant thing and although he’s gringo and does not know Spanish, he wrote a song that should unite all races because we are all immigrants of God.

"I’m proud of the fact that my musicians – Wahl, John Wolfe, Rosalind Gutiérrez and Sean Ziegler – are gringos; and not all Arizona gringos are supporting SB-1070," the operatic sounding vocalist added.

A few weeks ago, Martínez himself experienced discrimination when Arizona police stopped him, pulled out his passenger, pushed him against a wall and gave him a hard time just because his skin was brown. Martínez, who looks Anglo, was asked if he was a coyote and would have been jailed as an accomplice had his passenger been illegal.

"That’s a shame because we (Hispanics) are not who they (police) think we are. So our song is about what our hearts and souls are trying to tell people about the situation in Arizona and that in order to grow, we need to stick together," the Surprise, Arizona resident continued.

In regard to winning, Martínez, who has never recorded, said, "When I saw we are up against stars like Bebo Cardenas & Los Tres Reyes, René René and Tropa F, I didn’t think we had a chance. My talent is God-given. It’s not mine. Perhaps he gave it to me to show me his love and I have to sing for him because I want people to feel the power of God. Therefore I’m honored to have won."

Circa 300 people attended the elite awards hosted by Patsy Torres and Dr. Gloria G. Rodríguez, candidate for City Council.

"Each composer was super," Dr. Rodríguez said. "The first place winner took the perspective of being the immigrant getting his source of strength from God to overcome the prejudice and hatred and that he came to this country for love of family.  The words and voice were very powerful.  Each song had its unique message--and all were great.

"As a finalist, each song was a winner and will have an impact to different groups of people.  I am glad I was not a judge after all", the judges' job was very challenging as all the songs were so great!"

Judges included Tino Durán, La Prensa publisher; Rosalinda Risso, actress; Brandy López, actress/hostess Latin Fusion TV; Dora Oliva, Fort Bend, Texas State Representative; Jaimé Martínez, César Chávez Foundation; Mark "El Tacuache" Weber, KEDA radio personality; and Gilberto González, www.TexMexFM.com radio personality. All official final ballots were independently tabulated and certified by accountant Katherine Lozano Flournoy.

U.S. Congressman Ciro D. Rodríguez made some special remarks, Patsy Torres sang "America the Beautiful" as accounting  tallied the judges votes; Production services were provided by River City Attractions; and Yvonne Sandoval, President of River City Attractions & River City Records gave the closing prayer. The event took place at the beautiful Restoration Centre Dome. A Special ten song CD compilation was produced "Sing For Hope & Justice" and will officially be available for sale starting October 1^st here on this site and on iTunes and locally at Janie’s record shop, don’t miss out on this Beautiful inspirational limited edition CD. Also be on the lookout for some of these artist to appear on National TV performing their song. For more information one can also go to www.singforhopeandjustice.org.

As for Martínez, if one is ever in Arizona, the choir director can be found singing and playing piano every Sunday at the Phoenix Cathedral.

There were no losers since the fact the remaining 14 finalists made it to the end made them all winners. And as the saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words, so here’s a few more thousand words in photographs …