Tag Archives: KHALID

Earlier this week, sixth-graders at Jane A. Hambric School were treated to a new backpack and school supplies from The Great Khalid Foundation at a special presentation at the school.

Hambric was one of three schools selected throughout the city by the foundation for the back-to-school giveaway, which generously helped some 100 students at the campus.

The sentiment of thankfulness rang throughout the gym at Hambric where the backpacks were distributed. Students waited eagerly in line to receive their backpacks filled with supplies and many held large colorful signs thanking The Great Khalid Foundation.

“It makes me feel proud, it makes me feel happy,” said Linda Wolfe, executive director of The Great Khalid Foundation and Khalid’s mother, upon accepting the many signs gifted to her. “It makes me feel like everything that we are doing is worth it.”

The Great Khalid Foundation is a non-profit founded to give back to the families in the city of El Paso. The foundation works to alleviate some of the financial burden for parents and provide students with opportunities to succeed.

“(The backpacks) are expensive, and we know that it’s a need,” Wolfe said. “We didn’t want parents to incur costs.”

The students were more than grateful and excited to receive the backpacks from the foundation created by the singer Khalid, who is an SISD alumnus and Americas High School graduate.

Student Giselle Aguirre had a message for her generous donor that was unanimous with that of her peers, “Thank you Khalid and we all love you.”

Hambric principal Joanne Anguiano said the school wrote an essay to The Great Khalid Foundation about the school’s demographics, students’ needs, academics, and the way they support their students’ education to be considered for the backpack giveaway.

“One of the very important things that The Great Khalid Foundation did was help a lot of our students who come from a low economic status and a lot of what’s on their mind is that they don’t have materials ready,” Anguiano said.

“We want to take that off their mind so they can just focus on their academics, to be ready and prepared to hit the ground running. We want to get them prepared for life.”

This year, the foundation joined KISS FM’s Mike and Tricia’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive. Wolfe said they decided on the partnership based on the radio team’s continued dedication to the community of El Paso over the last 23 years.

The backpacks and school supplies given to the Hambric students were donated by Walmart. Other supporters of this year’s Stuff the School Bus Drive were First Light Federal Credit Union, El Paso Electric and Western Tech.

Ramon Mendoza, a sixth-grader at Hambric, was thrilled to receive his Marvel-themed backpack.

“I want to be a singer like Khalid,” Mendoza said.

To view more Backpack giveway from The Great Khalid Foundation event photos, click here

An assembly at Ernesto Serna School turned into an exciting surprise for students and staff when world-famous artist and songwriter Khalid made an appearance at the school.

The Socorro ISD alum surprised more than 700 students with gifts and holiday cheer.

“Socorro ISD supports me a lot so I try and extend my gratitude in multiple ways,” Khalid said. “It’s super special for me to give back to El Paso. The fact that I get to come to school and get to hand out gifts to all these kids is special. Maybe today they woke up in a bad mood but they left in a better mood, as long as that purpose is accomplished that’s all that matters.”

The Ernesto Serna community thought the event was a reception to honor their charitable deeds. Earlier this year, the campus raised $2,000 to contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and help a child’s dream become a reality. The school also participated in a toy and canned food drive to help others in need.

SISD Superintendent José Espinoza, Ed.D., Board Trustee Paul Guerra and Principal Alejandro Olvera thanked students for their generous donations and support. Moments later, Dr. Espinoza announced to students that they were in for a special treat from someone who wanted to give back to them.

Dr. Espinoza called up Khalid’s parents and his sister and thanked them for their generosity and kindness. He went on to introduce the highly acclaimed singer.

“He’s a proud Team SISD alum, MTV Video Music Award winner, Billboard Music Awards winner, Teen Choice Award winner, iheartRadio Music Award winner, American Music Award winner, an Americas High School graduate. He’s the talented musical artist, Khalid!” Espinoza said.

Students were thrilled when they saw Khalid make his grand entrance. The school bleachers were filled with tears of joy, looks of awe, wide eyes, and bright smiles full of excitement.

Brandon Valenzuela, a seventh-grader at the school, said meeting the Grammy-nominated artist has been a dream come true.

“I was crying when I saw him,” he said. “It was my dream to meet him, and I can’t believe he chose us. He is so nice. To me, he’s perfect.”

Khalid gave a countdown and all students, kindergarten through eighth-grade, unwrapped their Christmas presents. They received cosmetic playsets, drawing dashboards, LOL dolls, fire trucks, and more.

Another student, Diego Martinez, received a guitar.

“I love music and I love my guitar,” said the fifth-grader. “I was so happy that I hugged him and kept saying thank you. I will always remember this moment and this gift. I’m going to be even more excited when I hear his songs!”

Principal Olvera said his students were star-struck and thankful to have received a gift from Khalid.

“At Ernesto Serna we take pride in helping others and today we were blessed with this opportunity where Khalid came to our school to spend this time with our kids and invested in our children,” Olvera said. “This really meant a lot!”

For Khalid, giving back to his home town was a humbling experience and an opportunity to share an inspiring message.

“Persistency is the key to success,” Khalid said.  “It’s about not giving up. I always say this, ‘the one day you could have given up, the next day could have been your blessing”, and a lot of people don’t get to see that, and some people don’t make it to that… You have to work for what you want. Be true to yourself, your goals, your dreams and everything will line up as you want it to be.”

To view more photos of the event, click here.

In front of thousands of appreciative hometown fans, the ‘American Teen’ known worldwide made his way back to the ‘City of the 915’ Friday night at the Don Haskins Center.

The Americas High graduate brought his Roxy Tour to El Paso for two, eagerly-awaited, back-to-back concert dates.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there and brings you his ‘Location’ as well as photos from the concert in this ‘Story in Many Pics.’

Wedensday morning, Grammy nominee and acclaimed singer songwriter Khalid revealed a special hometown show in El Paso.

The concert event is set to take place September 14 at UTEP Don Haskins Center, and tickets go on sale starting Friday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time via Ticketmaster.

This past year Khalid has performed around the country as part of “The Roxy Tour,” his third North American headlining trek.  The outing was inspired by Khalid’s late puppy Roxy, who he rescued from a Los Angeles-based animal shelter, but tragically passed away.

Khalid is passionate about using his platform to support animal rights and finding safe, humane environments for animals to live.  A $1 donation per every ticket sold to the El Paso show will be given to a local animal shelter, as was the case throughout the full run of the tour.

Five-time Grammy-nominated artist Khalid has seen great success since he released his first single “Location” right before his high school graduation. The song’s domination led to Khalid’s major label deal with Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records followed by the release of his debut album American Teen.

The album received mass critical acclaim with Rolling Stone calling Khalid a “pop prodigy” and TIME Magazine stating, ““His thoughtful, relatable reflections on modern youth culture and the limitations of love are just as pitch-perfect as his soulful, measured delivery.”

American Teen shattered expectations, as it stayed in the Top 200 for 51 weeks, peaked at #4, and stayed in the Top 20 for 48 out of the 51 weeks it was in the Top 200. The singer-songwriter has over one billion streams worldwide across all partners, his first single “Location” is certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA, and his previous single “Young Dumb & Broke” is certified 3X Platinum.

For more information on Khalid and to keep up-to-date on everything Khalid-related, visit his official social media channels: Website, Facebook, Twitter  and Instagram

Khalid knew the “Location” of his mother, Linda Wolfe, and sister, Regina Wolfe, last week. While the Americas High School graduate and Grammy nominee was in Los Angeles working, his mom and sister stood in for the 19-year-old singing sensation at Ernesto Serna School, giving away more than 100 wrapped toys to students.

The duo talked, danced and sang to Khalid’s music and laughed with the children, most who were in Pre-K, kindergarten and functional living skills classes. Santa Claus, who sat near the Christmas tree, also was there to celebrate with the students.

“Khalid is passionate about giving back,” Linda Wolfe said. “There are so many less fortunate kids out there and we talked as a family about doing something for Christmas. Regina mentioned coming to Ernesto Serna School. She has been here helping to give away backpacks and school supplies. She knew the needs of the students.”

The Ernesto Serna Wolves were ecstatic with their gifts, ripping the wrapping paper and giggling, oohing, aaaahing and yelling when they discovered what the presents were. There were puzzles, Hot Wheels, Barbie dolls, little girl makeup kits, and, even, unusual lunch pails.

“They really surprised us,” said Principal Alejandro Olvera. “We were doing a toy drive with NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) students. … NJHS had collected about 50 presents, so we were going to do a small event. We were so surprised and happy that we were able to help more kids. We are very blessed, humbled and thankful for Khalid and his family and their generosity.”

Besides Serna, the Wolfe family gave gifts away at two other schools in El Paso this week. They appreciate how the city has embraced them since moving here more than two years ago, Linda Wolfe said. She is especially grateful for what Team SISD has done for her children.

“This is the reason we are staying in El Paso,” she said. “We love the programs the district offers. Education is key in my family. My daughter is a good student. Khalid had a great experience at Americas and Regina is enjoying the same. The Americas High School community treats them like family.”

Regina Wolfe wouldn’t go to any other high school but Americas, she said. The sophomore, who plays basketball for the school, has so many close friends who are like family to her. She has been an instrumental part of the community service projects in which the Americas girls basketball team has donated items such as backpacks and school supplies to Ernesto Serna School

“I love my school,” Regina said. “Everyone makes me feel like I belong.”

Khalid, who graduated in May 2016 from Americas, has gained widespread fame in the last year, earning music awards, performing in concerts worldwide and receiving top recognition for his album “American Teen.” His songs have moved up the music charts. Several are in the top 10. His first single, “Location” is now certified platinum. Other popular songs include “Young, Dumb and Broke” and “Saved.” He recently was nominated for five Grammy awards.

Edgar Collazo, 11, and Michael Gonzalez, 10, know who Khalid is and sang along to “Location” as it played in the school library during the gift giveaway. They were both excited to receive their presents.

“He is a good guy,” said Michael, 10. “He gave all of us presents. I am so thankful.

His classmate, Edgar agreed.

“I really appreciate this special gift,” Edgar said. “I just can’t believe Khalid gave it to me. That is so great. I am so happy he thought about students like us. He’s a great man.”

To view more pictures from the event, click here.

Sunday night, El Paso’s own Khalid won MTV VMA’s Best New Artist Award.

During his acceptance speech, he thanked his hometown saying “I gotta thank the City of El Paso for standing behind me…this isn’t (just) for me…this is for the city.”

The past year has been a rocketship ride for the teen, with his album ‘American Teen’ taking the region, and the country by storm.

Even with all the newfound fame, Khalid made time for his hometown fans at various appearances and concerts, even headlining this summer’s Neon Desert Music Fest.

Congrats to Khalid on his awesome year and his win!

Neon Desert Music Festival Organizers announced the full music lineup for the seventh annual event Tuesday Morning, which is slated to return to downtown El Paso on Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28. 

Neon Desert is also pleased to announce a new multi-year partnership with Southwest University. Southwest University will be the presenting sponsor of Neon Desert, and is excited to help enhance the festival experience for the fans.

Weekend GA, VIP, and Platinum VIP passes are on sale now at www.neondesertmusicfestival.com.

Taking place over 15 city blocks in the heart of downtown El Paso, and encompassing two city parks – Cleveland Square Park and San Jacinto Plaza – Neon Desert Music Festival will proudly welcome headlining performances from EDM heavyweight and one of the most in demand DJ’s in the world, Hardwell.

Hardwell’s high-energy performance is sure to keep the party going all weekend long, along with the Grammy-nominated indie pop band Foster the People, who are currently working on the highly anticipated follow up to their critically-acclaimed 2014 album, Supermodel.

Additional 2017 headliners include Colombian R&B singer J Balvin, whose single “Ginza” off of his 2016 album, Energía, broke the record for most views of any Latin music video in the first 24 hours; and internationally renowned DJ and producer, Alesso, who has been heralded as the forerunner of the next generation of house music; as well as rapper/producer and self described “Young Sinatra,” Logic, who will bring his signature brand of introspective, thoughtful rap to the weekend-long bash.

Some of the biggest hip-hop artists in the country will also be onsite throughout Memorial Day weekend, including Migos, whose sophomore album,

Culture, recently topped the Billboard 200 for several weeks and was boosted in large part by the smash hit “Bad and Boujee.” One of today’s most exciting breakout hip-hop artists, Lil Uzi Vert, whose recent collaboration on Migo’s hit single “Bad and Boujee” resulted in his first number one single this January on the US Billboard Hot 100, is also set to perform; as is Grammy-winner and rapper Nelly.

Additional music performers include Texas-based electro-funk duo Ghostland Observatory; electronic producer and creator of the smash hit “Harlem Shake”, Baauer; tropical-house DJ Thomas Jack; genre-bending DJ Mija; and more than 30 other talented acts, including a variety of local music performers like El Paso’s own rising R&B sensation Khalid.

Neon Desert is truly unique in that it not only showcases national headlining hip-hop, EDM, and indie talent, but it also plays a real tribute to the Latin heritage of the host town El Paso and its diverse residents.

For the 2017 event, the festival will welcome a variety of Latin and Mexican music performers from across the globe, including Chilean singer-songwriter Mon Laferte; Venezuelan-based disco-funk band Los Amigos Invisibles; Mexican rockers DLD; five-piece indie pop band and recent nominee for Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys 2016 The Chamanas, who hail from Mexico; and more.

The full music lineup can be found below:

NEON DESERT MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 LINEUP

Hardwell* / Foster the People* / J Balvin* / Alesso* / Logic*

Migos / Ghostland Observatory / Nelly / Lil Uzi Vert / Mon Laferte

Baauer / Thomas Jack / Khalid / Mija / Los Amigos Invisibles

DLD / Porter / Ty Segall / Marc E. Bassy / Snow Tha Product / Trae Tha Truth

The Chamanas / Tennyson / Medasin / Michael Christmas / Bogan Via

Frontera Bugalú / J^HIR / Sorrytown / Stan Z / Ribo Flavin / Rare Individuals  

The Other Half / Kilo and the Dew / Our Friend The Mountain / Miijas / Acid Pie

Dayluta Means Kindness / Yung Jung / Eddy Boy / Trost House / Frythm / Mikey Cloud

Polaroids / If We Were Turtles / Flamél / Volta / Rose.Golden / Brandon Bailey Johnson

*Denotes music festival headliners

Weekend passes now on sale at www.neondesertmusicfestival.com. Passes to the two-day event are only $119 while J&K VIP passes cost just $250. J&K VIP ticket holders will receive a variety of perks including re-entry to the festival, a dedicated VIP-only entrance and exit, complimentary drinks throughout the entirety of the festival, as well as complimentary dinner daily at 6 p.m.

Neon Desert is also excited to announce the debut of the festival’s newest ticket option, J&K Platinum VIP passes, which are available now for just $550. These Platinum VIP tickets offer attendees the most elevated experience available to ticket buyers.

These lucky attendees will be offered all of the regular VIP perks, in addition to exclusive access to a main stage viewing deck, complimentary drinks and meals throughout each day of the festival, and more. Interested patrons are encouraged to act fast in purchasing J&K Platinum VIP passes, as supply is very limited.

The seventh annual Neon Desert will once again offer an eclectic mix of mainstream American performers alongside acclaimed international acts at this year’s event.

Over the past six years, Neon Desert has hosted over 130,000 attendees, as well as a variety of internationally-renowned talent, with the likes of Tiësto, Future, J. Cole, Kaskade, Daddy Yankee, Passion Pit, Zoé, Ximena Sariñana, Mala Rodríquez, G-Eazy, Zedd, Wiz Khalifa, MGMT, and Moby having previously played at the festival.

Neon Desert looks to make this year’s event better than ever with a wide variety of incredible music acts set to perform over three stages, along with a silent disco stage, multiple live art installations, and numerous local food vendors and merchants.

Neon Desert would like to thank their 2017 partners, including presenting sponsor Southwest University as well as the additional partners who help make the festival possible including Dos Equis, Whataburger, Malibu Rum, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Red Bull, Jim Beam, J&K, Electric Sky Wine, Hunt Companies, and El Paso’s Museum and Cultural Affairs Division (MCAD).

For more information on the festival, go to www.neondesertmusicfestival.com. Follow Neon Desert Music Festival at facebook.com/neondesert, on Instagram at @ndmf, and on Twitter at @neondesert for updates and special promotions. The official hashtag of Neon Desert 2017 is #NDMF2017.

Check out the gallery from NeonDesert 2016 Below!