Old-school heroes to benefit Danny Esquivel

Danny Esquivel hasn't had a drop in six years, but God knows he did everything he could for a time to keep liquor stores and bars open.

The 61-year-old singer and guitarist of West Side Horns and Rocky Hernández & OBG Band fame (among many other local groups), has been playing since age 13 and knew how to have fun before and after the shows. It finally took its toll — in 2006, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, his diabetes also became aggravated, and spine problems make it hard for him to walk without a cane. As is the case with too many musicians, Esquivel has no health insurance, but his friends and colleagues are putting together a fundraiser to help pay for his medical costs.

"It's going to be a very expensive treatment," Esquivel said in Spanish during a visit to the Current hours before yet another show with the West Side Horns. Yes, he hasn't stopped performing, but it's not easy to go on. "Medicare will help, but it won't cover everything. It only covers three medicines, and I have to pay for everything else."

At the Memorial Day Dance on Sunday, confirmed bands include Henry Lee & The Tribute Band, Rocky Hernández & OBG Band, Ernie Garibay, Joe Mama, Cool Cat Charlie, Rudy T. Gonzales, Frank Rodarte, Jack Barber, Rudy Palacios and, of course, Arturo "Sauce" González & the West Side Horns.

"It all comes with the territory, I guess," said Esquivel, adding that after the treatment he "will look bad for a while, but then I'll get better."

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, he has advice for the young, too. "Control yourself when you drink," he said. "With time, [drinking] will ruin your life. If you don't, by the time you stop it might be too late and 50 percent of your body will be gone. Eat well and then drink in moderation. Better yet: quit drinking." •

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