South Bend music promoter Rene Saenz inducted into the Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame

The term legend gets thrown around a lot. However, it fits the bill for longtime South Bend resident Rene Saenz.

Rene was honored earlier in January by the Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame in Alice, Texas. R.O.O.T.S. stands for Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars.

He stands out as the first inductee from the Midwest. Rene worked endlessly as a promoter to bring Tejano music to South Bend. He worked with groups and places that had issues about renting to members of the Hispanic community. No issues and more bookings.

Namely News: LeBron James soles hit the hardwood at Paramount. Coach Hunt bought his players the shoes.

Benito Salazar, longtime friend and musician, said Rene saw a need to entertain the community and to share the culture. “Rene broke through many barriers, paying double and sometimes triple what a hall would rent for to showcase live Tejano entertainment.”

“I was a team player,” Rene said. “I wanted the halls to take a chance and rent to me. I treated the halls like I owned them, like they were mine.”

His skills in working with the community paid off, and he was busy for years, every weekend traveling from show to show. His work was recognized by R.O.O.T.S.

Regarding the hall of fame ceremony, Rene said he will remember it forever and he was truly honored. “There were a thousand people there. I was treated like a rock star,” he said.

So what is Tejano music? Tejano refers to a Texan of Mexican descent. The music blends the sound of corrido (narrative folk ballads) and mariachi (multiple instruments plus singer) with accordion-based polkas of Eastern Europe.

Rene said the music has something from everyone. “German, Polish or Czech music is all a part of Tejano music,” he said.

The tempo draws on all cultures, Rene said. “Everyone enjoys it.”

The love of music started back in the 1960s for Rene. As a migrant farm worker, Rene and his family moved from Alice, Texas, to Michigan in 1967, and to South Bend shortly thereafter. The Tejano bands played on weekends in the migrant camps and that flipped a switch for young Rene.

Most of the family moved back to Texas, but Rene and his father moved to South Bend. The father and son loved the area, but it was tough times. “We rented an unheated apartment for $25 a month.”

By 18, he was working in a factory and making good money. A promoter told him there were opportunities for a go-getter to bring bands to South Bend.

Within a few years, he was promoting shows at the William Penn Club on Prairie Avenue. Later, he had bands play at Century Center and St. Hedwig Memorial Center. He traveled through the Midwest and brought big name groups such as Selena and La Mafia.

He is now retired from factory work and promoting. Not ready to sit all day, he works as a custodian at an apartment complex. Rene reflected on his life in music although he doesn’t play an instrument. He still loves it.

“I have to thank the fans," he said. "I fought for them. I am a fighter. I have no hate in my heart. I am thankful for the award. I never expected it.”

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Reflections through the cold and misery of the past week.

“CBS Sunday Morning” had a story on the Broadway musical “How to Dance in Ohio” on the Jan. 14 broadcast. One of the performers in the production is former South Bend resident Madison Kopec.

Madison is a Clay High School graduate and a born actor. The Tribune edition on Dec. 31 ran a story on Madison’s big breakthrough.

On Broadway: South Bend native Madison Kopec makes Broadway debut in 'How to Dance in Ohio'

Correspondent David Pogue spoke to three of the performers about the show and the impact it is having on audiences. The play is based on a documentary about the growth and change of seven autistic adults.

Although Madison wasn’t interviewed, you can see her in several scenes from the play. You can see a replay of the story on YouTube.

The website “We Rate Dogs” rates hero dogs, crazy dogs and sweet dogs. The host, Matt Nelson, names five dogs every week for their contributions to dogdom. The site recently highlighted Kassy the golden retriever who helped raise the African painted dogs at Potawatomi Zoo. Kassy was a perfect surrogate mom.

Hero dog: Golden retriever mom steps in to save 3 rare African painted dog pups at Potawatomi Zoo

A few memorable people who deserve another mention.

Carol Riewe, 83, died on Dec. 3. She was the go-to person for raptor rehabilitation for years. She was called when there were peregrine falcon problems in town. As director of Rum Village Nature Center until her retirement in 2004, she knew our feathered friends.

Carol Riewe: A devotion to nature

John G. Roncz, 75, died on Sept. 27. He was an aeronautical engineer who designed more than 50 aircraft, including two that are now enshrined in the National Air and Space Museum. He also designed a sail for the racing yacht that won the America’s Cup.

If it flew (and it wasn’t a raptor), John was quoted and questioned. He was honored in Great Britain, Australia and at Purdue. A memorable man.

Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame inducts South Bend promoter