There was another reason for Beeville fans to head to The Texas Grand this past weekend. His name is Edward Garza. Edward, a local musician, graduated in 2005 from A.C. Jones High School and now plays guitar and sings in Michael Salgado’s band. Even though he has been doing so for the past five months, this is his first time to play in his hometown.

“I’ll always stay true to Beeville,” he said just before heading on stage this past Saturday. He has toured all over Texas since joining the band and played some pretty big shows so far.

“We played a festival for over 10,000 people, and it was an awesome experience to see that many people.”

Edward got his start in music early on in Beeville under the direction of Rosie Maldonado.

“She was the one who actually taught me how to sing back in fifth grade,” he said. “ I actually did a performance, and she helped me out with that.”

Garza also cites church as a big influence. He learned to play guitar there, and perform in front of a crowd.

When asked how he and Michael Salgado teamed up, he laughed and stated, “kind of a friend of a friend of a friend, you know. The word gets out, and that’s how they got a hold of me. Michael was my idol growing up. I used to listen to his music, so this is amazing.”

Edward Garza, a husband and father of three, says that even though it does get difficult, his family happily supports his decision. He was so busy this past year that he forgot his wife’s birthday, but all was forgiven.

“They’re all very happy for me, because they’re all big Michael Salgado fans anyway,” Garza said. “I’m glad my wife supports me in what I do.”

Edward Garza shows no signs of slowing any time soon. When asked what his plans were for the future, Garza responded, “I’m real happy with where I’m at, and, hopefully, this train keeps a rolling.”

With a full list of concerts throughout 2012, and Salgado’s Grammy nomination, we’ll see where the train tracks take one of Beeville’s proudest sons.