Changing leaves, rainy weather and midterm exams are all part of fall. Another thing that can make the feeling of autumn more complete is Ford AutMus Fest 2006.
This annual music festival, known last year as AutMus Fest, is back. The TAMIU Alumni Association established AutMus Fest as a fundraiser intended to provide scholarships for students. AutMus Fest is a family oriented event that provides good music, food and entertainment.
“TAMIU Alumni Association AutMus Fest is an event with a mission to provide quality entertainment and bring together former and current students to collectively work while being successful in raising funds for scholarships,” stated Patricia G. McBain, director of Alumni Relations.
The corporate sponsors are Ford Motor Company, which paid the rights for this year’s festival and Miller Lite.
Like any big event, a lot of preparation has gone into making sure everything is perfect. Marcus Moreno, AutMus Fest chairperson, oversees the committees that handle the event. Perla Nieto, AutMus Fest Entertainment Committee chair, and the Entertainment Committee are in charge of researching and finding the bands that will play at the festival. The committee selects groups based in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Monterrey. The committee’s goal is to bring a variety of new music and to try new bands that have not been in Laredo.
The bands scheduled to appear are Supaphat, Ozomatli, Costumbre, JD Natasha, Honky Erin Marie, The Brannen Temple Group, Maneja Beto, 24 Seven and Stone Groove.
Alcohol will be served only to those who are of drinking age (over 21). All will be required to show an identification card and then will be given a wrist band indicating that person can purchase alcohol can be purchased. There will be a limit as to how many alcoholic drinks will be sold per person at one time, two.
There will also be security enforcing the limit and visually checks for people that may already have too much to drink. Beer and wine coolers will be sold along with other refreshments like RC Cola and Shark energy drink.
Ford AutMus Fest was given permission to sell alcohol by the state’s’ Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC). Last year AutMus Fest was inspected by the City of Laredo Health Department and the Fire Department, both which stated, “best and secure event in Laredo.”
There are expected to be many food vendors that specialize in selling at other events. TAMIU clubs and organizations will also host booths at the festival.
Ford AutMus Fest 2006 will take place on Oct. 7 in front of the Killam Library. Tickets are $5 pre-sale and $10 at the gate. Gates will open at 11 a.m.
“Ford AutMus Fest will be more organized and better. Do not hesitate to try all the bands and open your criteria,” said McBain.