Sandra Herrera-Walker: Mother, Fan, and RGV Music Archivist

We all know the usual players in the local music game: musicians, promoters, producers, venue owners, and so on, but the parents of the musicians rarely get the mentions they deserve. From buying their first equipment, to driving them to practice and back, fostering musicianship and moral support in a child is a task that we sometimes take for granted, but it is essential in building a thriving music community.

Whether you know it or not, if you’re involved in RGV alternative music, you’ve seen Sandra Herrera-Walker in the crowd at countless local concerts from Yerberia Cultura in McAllen, to Half Moon Saloon in Brownsville, and everywhere inbetween. She posts several Instagram Stories and videos of every show she attends and shares flyers to help promote and archive local live music. What makes her different from other supporters of the RGV alternative scene is her role as a parent.

Sandra’s father instilled a love of music in her at an early age as a piano teacher and voice coach. She passed the enthusiam down to her daughter Sarah, who began with drums and was taught by Homer Rios who worked at Melhart and played for the band Stereo Kitsch. He also taught Cameron Scott of Sick/Sea and Max Perkins of Sarah’s band Pinky Swear.

Sometimes just taking your child to a local concert is enough to inspire them to join the community. In January of 2010 Sandra took her daughter to see local favorites Dignan, and then again to see them in Novemeber for The Mcallen Incubator’s last show before permanently closing. In 2012 they attended the first Galax Z fair at McAllen’s Cine El Rey that was headlined by Of Montreal, which also hosted one of Sarah’s favorite local bands, Jungle Bodies. These shows left a lasting impression that led to where Sarah is now with Pinky Swear. The band sounds like a combination of various 90’s female-fronted alternative bands and sometimes surf rock. They describe themselves as “a feeling that makes you not want to feel anymore,” with vocals that can be lethargic, sassy, and heartbreaking.

Since forming in 2014 they have put together an impressive music resumé. They’ve opened for Miniature Tigers, The Coathangers, Mitski, and Speedy Ortiz, and released two EP’s and a few singles, including one featured in the Wild Tongue compilation to represent the RGV.

Over the years, Sandra has been a fan of promoter Patrick Garcia’s shows booked under the name Tiger’s Blood. “He brings down big names like Angel Olsen, Helado Negro, and Mitski, but always books locals to open the show,” Sandra says. Garcia allowing all ages also helps the scene grow. “I see five year-olds with their dads watching. When promoters and venues allow all ages, kids can see that there is stuff to do and they can play music too. It irritates me when people say ‘there’s nothing to do around here.’ Just get out there.”

The touring acts with a good local reception can be booked to return. “I’ve seen Miniature Tigers all seven times. They always say they’re glad to be back. It’s a big deal when a band comes down here. The fans appreciate it and they can feel it in the atmosphere.” She has also attended all Galax Z fairs except for one and has already bought a ticket to the upcoming Dreams Festival at Cine El Rey.

Pinky Swear opening for Miniature Tigers in 2017

Her investment in local music extends even further. As a McAllen school teacher in math and history, she has taught major figures of our music and activist community: rapper and drummer for Los Skagaleros Carmen Castillo and Danny Silva who currently plays in The Undeclared. As a teacher who comes from a family of educators and growing up out of town, her experience has made her more open to the eccentricities of alternative communities. “I lived in Michigan from age 11 to 21 so it influenced me to see that things are not only one way.”

As a parent who publicly supports both on social media and at the venues, music allows her to stay close to her daughter while also letting her express herself and go her own way. “Maybe in middle school, but Sarah isn’t embarassed by me anymore and is used to me. It took a little time but eventually both my daughters realized that I fully enjoyed and always intended to stay part of the music scene whether they happened to be participating or not. It's how I relieve stress and truly relaxes me. I think valley parents can shelter their kids too much, so I felt that if I got them exposed to stuff they would go off on their own and do better.”

Getting new listeners and support from older generations is difficult. At age 58, Sandra is a rare demographic in local music. Other kinds of music and interests, as well as busy lifestyles can slow the growth of participants outside the usual bar venue age range. “Life gets in the way. Their kids are into sports or something else. People my age listen to stuff like conjunto and corridos and all of that. It’s good too but there’s so many kinds of other music around here,” Sandra says, but social media is helping her share her love of RGV music with friends and family.

Week after week, Sandra posts Instagram clips of the concerts she attends and tags the accounts of the bands. It preserves the memory of the concerts and shows the wide span of activity. She is glad when bands request videos from her. “That’s why I do them. When I hear something amazing I want the bands to get credit. Live music and singing are great stress relievers for me. People think you hit a certain age and you stop enjoying yourself, but I always feel welcome here.”

You can find Sandra’s Instagram account @silverfemaleone and Pinky Swear’s bandcamp account here.

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