2023 press release
EQ Austin & KUTX Present The 10th Annual DIA on Día Concert to Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion in Austin. The unique, star-studded event features over 25 acts, including blues rock legend Jimmie Vaughan, Money Chicha and Tameca Jones on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.
Austin, TX – September 22, 2023 – Easterseals Lonestar, EQ Austin, and KUTX are proud to present the 10th Annual DIA on Día concert, a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion in the heart of Austin. This year's milestone event will take place on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 3TEN ACL Live, coinciding with the revered Dia De Los Muertos holiday, EQ Austin’s 5th anniversary and the official City of Austin’s Day of Diversity And Inclusion Awareness and benefits Easterseals Lonestar’s programs that benefit disabled central Texans.
The jam-packed 10th Annual DIA on Dia concert features a truly impressive lineup of over 25 beloved local artists, headlined by blues rock guitar legend Jimmie Vaughan of The Vaughan Brothers and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. The event’s unique concept brings local artists onstage to guest with all-star backing bands Money Chicha (directed by renowned musician and producer Beto Martinez of Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Money Chicha), the EQ Austin Band (and the formidable DJ Crash, DJ to the stars including Steve Aoki, LeBron James and Waka Flocka.
The diverse lineup includes beloved Austin-based artists Money Chicha, Lesly Reynaga, Tameca Jones, Tomar Williams (Tomar & The FCs), Nagavalli, AJ Vallejo (Vallejo), DJ Crash, Deezie Brown, Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog, Sweet Spirit), J Soulja, Kalu James (Kalu & The Electric Joint), Grace Sorensen, Megz (Magna Carda), Angelica Rahe, BettySoo, We Don't Ride Llamas, Frederico7, Blakchyl, promqueen, Como Las Movies, Kiko Villamizar, and Jaime Ospina (Superfonicos).
Hosting the event will be Confucius and Fresh, of Austin’s #1 hip hop show, KUTX's The Breaks. Last year’s well-attended event brought a visit from the mayor (who presented EQ Austin founder Gavin Garcia with a Key to the City) as well as an impressive array of auction items to benefit Easterseals, and this year promises to be full of surprises as well.
The concert aims to unite the Austin community in celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make the city unique, all while benefiting Easterseals Lonestar, which seeks to raise funds to renovate the Vaughn House, home of their Fit Ability Program. “The Fit Ability Program is a completely accessible gym for the disabled community which also provides a personal trainer who specializes in helping those with physical disabilities workout safely and effectively,” explains David Schneider, Co-Chair of DIA On Dia and Easterseals volunteer. He continues, “The goal of the program is for central Texans to live as healthy of a life as possible and reach their full potential through physical fitness, recreation, and community.”
Event producers Alex Vallejo along with David Schneider and Sally Decelis love creating the event as much as music fans enjoy watching it. Alex states, “While a lot of work and curation goes into this event, the magic of the final product makes it all worth the effort.” He muses, “It’s always an honor to work on this show with such a diverse group of local musicians which pushes us all to collaborate with each other and create these really special performances.”
Details At A Glance-
Event: 10th Annual DIA on Dia Concert
Date: November 1st, 2023
Location: 3TEN ACL Live at 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin, TX
Time: Doors open at 6pm, music at 7pm.
Tickets: https://www.axs.com/events/504160/10th-annual-dia-on-dia-concert-tickets
Event assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lLMmVdk8C0KoxWZInjt0gHuGXDc_z6S1
About Easterseals Lone Star - Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, the organization has worked tirelessly with partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Through its national network of affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground support to more than 1.5 million people each year — from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Their public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today.
About EQ Austin - EQ Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate cultural representation and foster economic prosperity in the music and creative sector through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. The organization was officially launched in October 2018 to address Austin’s creative sector’s need to better reflect the demographic make-up of the community.
EQ Austin acts as a shared repository for the music community that is a central equity, diversity and inclusion resource database to shepherd resources available to the industry. Through engagement, dissemination of information, media and references, we build consensus among divergent groups and individuals.
About KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience - Named “Best Radio Station” in the Austin Music Awards poll nine times since it launched in 2013, KUTX 98.9 is the destination for new music from the diverse artists driving the sound of Austin today – from new and local artists to music that has stood the test of time. Programming includes hundreds of live, one-of-a-kind performances each year; the Austin Music Minute, the KUTX Artist of the Month and the KUTX Song of the Day, as well as KUTX Live events that connect music fans to Austin and national talent. More at kutx.org.
Austin, TX – September 22, 2023 – Easterseals Lonestar, EQ Austin, and KUTX are proud to present the 10th Annual DIA on Día concert, a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion in the heart of Austin. This year's milestone event will take place on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 3TEN ACL Live, coinciding with the revered Dia De Los Muertos holiday, EQ Austin’s 5th anniversary and the official City of Austin’s Day of Diversity And Inclusion Awareness and benefits Easterseals Lonestar’s programs that benefit disabled central Texans.
The jam-packed 10th Annual DIA on Dia concert features a truly impressive lineup of over 25 beloved local artists, headlined by blues rock guitar legend Jimmie Vaughan of The Vaughan Brothers and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. The event’s unique concept brings local artists onstage to guest with all-star backing bands Money Chicha (directed by renowned musician and producer Beto Martinez of Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Money Chicha), the EQ Austin Band (and the formidable DJ Crash, DJ to the stars including Steve Aoki, LeBron James and Waka Flocka.
The diverse lineup includes beloved Austin-based artists Money Chicha, Lesly Reynaga, Tameca Jones, Tomar Williams (Tomar & The FCs), Nagavalli, AJ Vallejo (Vallejo), DJ Crash, Deezie Brown, Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog, Sweet Spirit), J Soulja, Kalu James (Kalu & The Electric Joint), Grace Sorensen, Megz (Magna Carda), Angelica Rahe, BettySoo, We Don't Ride Llamas, Frederico7, Blakchyl, promqueen, Como Las Movies, Kiko Villamizar, and Jaime Ospina (Superfonicos).
Hosting the event will be Confucius and Fresh, of Austin’s #1 hip hop show, KUTX's The Breaks. Last year’s well-attended event brought a visit from the mayor (who presented EQ Austin founder Gavin Garcia with a Key to the City) as well as an impressive array of auction items to benefit Easterseals, and this year promises to be full of surprises as well.
The concert aims to unite the Austin community in celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make the city unique, all while benefiting Easterseals Lonestar, which seeks to raise funds to renovate the Vaughn House, home of their Fit Ability Program. “The Fit Ability Program is a completely accessible gym for the disabled community which also provides a personal trainer who specializes in helping those with physical disabilities workout safely and effectively,” explains David Schneider, Co-Chair of DIA On Dia and Easterseals volunteer. He continues, “The goal of the program is for central Texans to live as healthy of a life as possible and reach their full potential through physical fitness, recreation, and community.”
Event producers Alex Vallejo along with David Schneider and Sally Decelis love creating the event as much as music fans enjoy watching it. Alex states, “While a lot of work and curation goes into this event, the magic of the final product makes it all worth the effort.” He muses, “It’s always an honor to work on this show with such a diverse group of local musicians which pushes us all to collaborate with each other and create these really special performances.”
Details At A Glance-
Event: 10th Annual DIA on Dia Concert
Date: November 1st, 2023
Location: 3TEN ACL Live at 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin, TX
Time: Doors open at 6pm, music at 7pm.
Tickets: https://www.axs.com/events/504160/10th-annual-dia-on-dia-concert-tickets
Event assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lLMmVdk8C0KoxWZInjt0gHuGXDc_z6S1
About Easterseals Lone Star - Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, the organization has worked tirelessly with partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Through its national network of affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground support to more than 1.5 million people each year — from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Their public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today.
About EQ Austin - EQ Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate cultural representation and foster economic prosperity in the music and creative sector through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. The organization was officially launched in October 2018 to address Austin’s creative sector’s need to better reflect the demographic make-up of the community.
EQ Austin acts as a shared repository for the music community that is a central equity, diversity and inclusion resource database to shepherd resources available to the industry. Through engagement, dissemination of information, media and references, we build consensus among divergent groups and individuals.
About KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience - Named “Best Radio Station” in the Austin Music Awards poll nine times since it launched in 2013, KUTX 98.9 is the destination for new music from the diverse artists driving the sound of Austin today – from new and local artists to music that has stood the test of time. Programming includes hundreds of live, one-of-a-kind performances each year; the Austin Music Minute, the KUTX Artist of the Month and the KUTX Song of the Day, as well as KUTX Live events that connect music fans to Austin and national talent. More at kutx.org.
Press Release for 2022 Dia on Dia
Austin Dia de los Muertos
Concert and Music Mash Up
Easterseals Lone Star and EQ Austin present DIA on Día: A Día de los Muertos Concert on Wednesday, November 2nd. The star-studded event includes over 30 acts including Tomar Williams, Carrie Rodriguez and Vallejo on the city-proclaimed Day of Diversity and Inclusion Awareness.
Austin, TX– Easterseals Lone Star and EQ Austin have joined forces to create DIA on Día: A Día de los Muertos Concert on Wednesday, November 2nd at 3TEN in downtown Austin. The jam-packed schedule was created in conjunction with the official City of Austin-proclaimed Day of Diversity and Inclusion Awareness. DIA coincides with the fourth anniversary of EQ Austin.
Over 30 renowned Austin-area based acts will be featured over the course of the evening, including Carrie Rodriguez, Melat, Del Castillo and Bavu Blakes. The artists will guest with backing bands fronted by soul powerhouse Tomar Williams (Tomar and the FCs), a·vant-garde Eastern Soul songstress Nagavalli and Latin rock legends Vallejo. Featured artists include:
Willie Alvarado, Quentin Arispe, Bakbonz, Stephanie Bergara, Bavu Blake, Como Las Movies, Del Castillo, DJ Crash, Nubia Emmon, Perri Jones, Sangeeta Kaur, Lady Shacklin', Lolita Lynne, Mélat, Nagavalli, Nemegata, Patrice Pike, Lesly Reynaga, Carrie Rodriguez, Sami Serrano, Ter'ell Shahid, Shiela, Grace Sorenson, Sugaree, Tee Double, The Tiarras, Vallejo, Salih Williams, Tomar Williams plus special guests...
“Easterseals is proud to be able to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with the Hispanic community of Central Texas for the last 10 years. The rich cultural traditions of the holiday connect profoundly with us all. We are excited to invite every Austinite to join us in this unique one-of-a-kind celebration.” - Tod Marvin, President, Easterseals Lonestar.
“Austin has long been renowned for its music cross-fertilization. This event will spotlight that legacy while embracing the dynamic genres of music being made today, a testimony to how Austin music stages can look, feel and sound.” - Nagavalli Medicharla, Chair, EQ Austin.
Austin, TX– Easterseals Lone Star and EQ Austin have joined forces to create DIA on Día: A Día de los Muertos Concert on Wednesday, November 2nd at 3TEN in downtown Austin. The jam-packed schedule was created in conjunction with the official City of Austin-proclaimed Day of Diversity and Inclusion Awareness. DIA coincides with the fourth anniversary of EQ Austin.
Over 30 renowned Austin-area based acts will be featured over the course of the evening, including Carrie Rodriguez, Melat, Del Castillo and Bavu Blakes. The artists will guest with backing bands fronted by soul powerhouse Tomar Williams (Tomar and the FCs), a·vant-garde Eastern Soul songstress Nagavalli and Latin rock legends Vallejo. Featured artists include:
Willie Alvarado, Quentin Arispe, Bakbonz, Stephanie Bergara, Bavu Blake, Como Las Movies, Del Castillo, DJ Crash, Nubia Emmon, Perri Jones, Sangeeta Kaur, Lady Shacklin', Lolita Lynne, Mélat, Nagavalli, Nemegata, Patrice Pike, Lesly Reynaga, Carrie Rodriguez, Sami Serrano, Ter'ell Shahid, Shiela, Grace Sorenson, Sugaree, Tee Double, The Tiarras, Vallejo, Salih Williams, Tomar Williams plus special guests...
“Easterseals is proud to be able to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with the Hispanic community of Central Texas for the last 10 years. The rich cultural traditions of the holiday connect profoundly with us all. We are excited to invite every Austinite to join us in this unique one-of-a-kind celebration.” - Tod Marvin, President, Easterseals Lonestar.
“Austin has long been renowned for its music cross-fertilization. This event will spotlight that legacy while embracing the dynamic genres of music being made today, a testimony to how Austin music stages can look, feel and sound.” - Nagavalli Medicharla, Chair, EQ Austin.
2022 Event Press
- KUTX- Austin Music Minute
- ATX Today- Listed on front page here.
- KUT (in Spanish)- Feature story
- Austin American Statesman- Feature by Deborah Sengupta-Stith
- Austin Vida- Inclusion in their DDLM roundup + a Feature on Lesly Reynaga
- Farandula- Event posted on socials, website and IG stories.
- FOX- AJ Vallejo interview and performance on Good Day Austin.
- Telemundo- Interview with Nelson of Como Las Movies, link here.
- KUT- Here's How to Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in Austin.
- Austin Chronicle- Crucial Concerts: " Austin-based musicians unite to celebrate Mexico's beloved, ancient tradition of honoring death and those dearly departed with a muscular lineup more than 30 artists strong. Roots legend Carrie Rodriguez, and classical vocalist Sangeeta Kaur mingle among the wildly diverse lineup, while festival hosts/EQ Austin Board Members Tomar Williams (Tomar & the FCs), "Eastern soul" singer Nagavalli, and Alex Vallejo lead the night's backing bands. The melting pot evening raises funds for autism and other disability services through Easterseals Central Texas." – Christina Garcia
- Austin Chronicle- Recommended Halloween and DDLM events
- Austin Chronicle- Recommended Events:
- Austin Vida- DIA On Dia will be featured in their November Cultura Guide and in a DDLM roundup.
- KUTX- Event has been posted, ticket giveaways scheduled.
- Do512- Listed here and in a special Dia de los Muertos event roundup.
- Showlist Austin- Listed here.
- Relix- Listed here
- AARP- Listed here
- Texas Artisan- Listed here
2021 Dia de los Muertos Video
Press for Past Dia de los Muertos Festival
Austin Vida Magazine - October 25, "Dia De Los Muertos Festival at A. B. Cantu Pan-American Recreation Center"
Broadway World Austin - October 25, "Easter Seals Central Texas Presents 2nd Annual DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Festival Today" Austin Chronicle - October 23, "Thirteen Things To Do in Austin on Halloween" LiveMusicAustin – Blog post-event feature, October 27, "Dia de Los Muertos Take 2, Another Great Performance" |
KXAN Studio512 Appearance - October 10,For the full interview, click here.
KTBC – (FOX 7) – October 26, "Dia de Los Muertos Celebrated in East Austin" Univision Despierta Austin - October 17 Univision Radio KAKW/KTFO Interview TWC News (Time Warner) – October 25, "Local non-profit celebrates Dia de Los Muertos" Hispanos Net Austin - September 3, "Easter Seals Central Texas Announces Second Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival" Austin360 Video – October 30, "Easter Seals celebrates Dia de Los Muertos" |
Print and Online
Austin Days of the Dead - Oct. 7, 2013 World Cultures Austin.com - Oct. 13, 2013 Austin American Statesman - Oct. 17, 2013 Austin Chronicle - Oct. 17, 2013 Culture Map Austin - Oct. 17, 2013 TODO Austin Magazine - October 2013 Do512.com events - October 2013 |
TV and Radio
KUTX-FM (NPR) live in-studio performance/interview with Dale Watson, - Oct. 16, 2013 KAKW-TV (UNIVISION) live in-studio - Oct. 17, 2013 KTBC-TV (FOX) live in-studio - Oct. 17, 2013 KXAN-TV (NBC) live in-studio Noon news - Oct. 17, 2013 KOKE-FM (Country) in-studio interview with host Bob Cole and the Los Texmaniacs, Oct. 18, 2013 |