Joe Brizzolara
On Sunday, Oct 6, the City of Bell Gardens will host the 1st Annual Eddie Cochran Memorial Car Show, a celebration of classic cars, rockabilly music, and BG pride. Held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at John Anson Ford Park, this free event is a tribute to the legendary rock ‘n’ roll musician Eddie Cochran, who spent much of his youth in Bell Gardens.
Eddie Cochran, described as “James Dean with a guitar,” was a pioneer of early rock ‘n’ roll. His music, whose style drew from County Western and Rhythm and Blues, would influence bands such as The Beatles, The Who, and the Sex Pistols.
The event, which is being presented by the city and local partners, aims to honor Cochran’s legacy while raising funds for student scholarships and supporting veterans. The show will feature pre-1964 classic cars, a pin-up contest, a “Little Miss” contest, and a rockabilly music showcase with live performances from various bands.
Councilmember Francis De Leon Sanchez says the event is “about meshing two passions together.”
“My husband loves classic cars, and I have a passion for education,” de Leon Sanchez said in a phone interview.
The proceeds from the car show will benefit student scholarships for Bell Gardens and Montebello Unified School District students and will also fund the creation of a Key Club, a service program for youth sponsored by the SELA Kiwanis, at Bell Gardens High School.
Additionally, American Legion Post 465 will host a beer garden, with proceeds supporting local veterans. Cochran’s house once stood across from the American Legion Hall, where he practiced and played music.
Enrique Vega, who collaborated on the event along with de Leon Sanchez’s husband Carlos, has deep roots in the car and rockabilly scenes and says the event was inspired by Viva Las Vegas, the world’s largest rockabilly car show.
In addition to the classic cars, attendees will enjoy a lineup of rockabilly and psychobilly bands, curated by musician June Clivas.
“We wanted rockabilly bands but threw in a psychobilly band as well for a change of pace. Psychobilly is like if rockabilly and punk rock had a baby—faster, more aggressive, with horror themes,” Vega explained.
Bands like Seatbelt, Geo & the Hotwires, and The Desperados will bring the mid-century rock and roll vibes to life, while Clivas’s band, June Clivas and the Ditty Boys, will add some Cowpunk (western Rock and outlaw country) to the mix.
The event is open to all, and car enthusiasts can still register their vehicles for $40 on the day of the show.
“It’s going to be a fun vibe,” said de Leon Sanchez. “We’re honoring [Cochran] and his memory at this show. Just for people to come out and support a good cause.”
Whether you’re a classic car lover, a fan of vintage fashion, a rock ‘n’ roll aficionado, or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday, the Eddie Cochran Memorial Car Show is not an event you’ll want to miss. For more information, visit: eddiecochranmemorialcarshow.org.
