(This article was written by Christy Richards and was featured in the January 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
About one year ago, I was first introduced to the music of Orphanage Road. It was a memorable occasion, as I, along with many of my friends and neighbors, danced all night to their covers of oldies rock, classic rock, and 90s alternative.
Although the band members must balance other priorities such as families and jobs, they consistently put on performances that electrify their audiences.
Elias Hinojosa, the one who is credited with starting the group, is a singer and is self-taught on piano, guitar, and bass guitar. He started playing at age 14 after surviving childhood cancer, to which he credits Dr. Todd Shenkenberg and God. Elias has a beautiful family, is quite humble, and appreciates his fans.
In 2000, Orphanage Road added Bernard JJ Galpin, another self-taught artist who built his own drum set at age 11 using basic household items. From a rough childhood to a musical hobby, Bernard beats the tunes from his drums and joins Elias on vocals.
Another singer, John Aguilar, joined Elias and Bernard in 2007. He is also self-taught and started playing at age 5. John is a multi-award-winning artist on the piano, guitar, bass guitar, and the bass. He has combined his talents by using a bow with his guitar to create extraordinary sounds that have earned him the nickname “the beast.”
With talented friends like Mike Pena, Chris Jaquez, and Joshua Ibarra joining as backups, they can play just about any venue, and they love what they do.
Catch them in the Rio Grande Valley at some of the tastiest food joints around Harlingen and the surrounding areas including:
Harlingen: American Legion Post 205, Classics Bar & Grill, Dave's BBQ, Drink Up, Elks Lodge, Encore Paradise Park RV Resort, Harlingen Country Club, The Moon Rock, Provecho y Salud, The Rockin' Cue, Sleepwalker's Bar, Tipsy Tavern, and VFW 2410
Brownsville: The Broken Sprocket, The Lucky Barrel Bar & Grill
South Padre Island: Clayton's Bar & Restaurant
McAllen: Bourbon Street Grill, Simon Sez
Weslaco: Frankie Flav’z
Additionally, they play at sporting events and festivals and can be hired to perform at private parties.
You can follow them on Facebook (@EliasBee0425) to find out where they are playing next.
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