The Lone Star state is tuning up to toast one of its most beloved stars, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who would have celebrated her birthday this month. The Texas Historical Commission is hosting a movie night and the Queen of Tejano is taking center stage, with the 1997 classic film "Selena" rolling at the historic French Legation State Historic Site in Austin as per a CBS Austin report.
Before the film starts casting its spell at 8:00 PM on April 16, attendees can dive into Selena's world, thanks to a slew of archival footage, rare concert moments in Austin, auditions for the film, and plenty, of memorabilia reminding us just how much talent and influence can pour out of one individual. This nostalgic evening of remembrance is free for the public, complete with the Latina icon's music echoing through her former stomping grounds.
Meanwhile, over the past decade, Bidi Bidi Banda has been fanning the flames of Selena's legacy with lead singer Stephanie Bergara at the helm. Bergara, inspired by Selena's success in music, shared her connection with the icon in a KUT interview, "It just was such a cathartic feeling at 8 years old, for me to be like, I could do this.” Bergara and her band have encapsulated the spirit of Selena through their music—trading in home-stitched costumes for authenticity in performance rather than looks—it seems that capturing the energy that Selena radiated is all it takes.
However, the show isn't over yet for Bidi Bidi Banda. As the group gears up for a shift in pace, "We are what we're calling 'George Strait retiring,' which means that if something big comes up, we certainly will consider it,” Bergara told KUT. The band is looking to cut back on shows, but they're keeping the door open for potential future gigs. Fans still have until 2025 before this transition begins, so there's time to catch them live, chances are, they'll keep Selena's legacy alive and kicking for a bit longer.
Selena's fans looking for more can head to Lulu’s in South Austin for a trivia night dedicated to the Tejano star's life, because, what better way to celebrate her birthday on Tuesday? Mark your calendar for the French Legation's screening, and if you're still buzzing for some musical festivities, the Cumbiadélica Festival on Saturday will keep the party going. As April keeps the memory of Selena alive; Texas, and her fans worldwide, continue dancing to the rhythm of a star whose light, refuses to fade.
