Posted on October 29, 2025 by Katelyn Juarez
The upcoming event is not just a film screening, it is a journey into San Antonio's Chicano musical roots. “You’ve Succeeded: The Life & Times of Dimas Garza”, directed by Chuco Garcia, anchors The West Side Sound Oral History Project's mission to preserve local heritage through stories, sounds and community voices.
The West Side Sound Oral History Project
In the heart of San Antonio, a passionate collective of DJs/record collectors, scholars and community activists are on a mission to preserve a unique musical legacy that bridges cultures and generations. The West Side Sound Oral History Project is more than just a research initiative, it’s a cultural preservation movement that celebrates the rich musical history of San Antonio’s Chicano community.
Rooted in the principles of Mexican American Studies, the project emerged from a commitment to documenting community histories that have often been overlooked. “We’re using community-rooted approaches to preserve our histories,” explains Sylvia Mendoza, West Side Sound Oral History Project board member and assistant professor in The University of Texas at San Antonio Department of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies. “This isn’t just about collecting records, it’s about sharing music, history and knowledge with future generations.”
The project originated from a seed grant through the university’s West Side Community initiative, bringing together a collective of experts including Mendoza, Rambo Salinas, Kat Delgadillo, Chuco Garcia and Gloria Gonzales.
At the center of their current efforts is the documentary, “You’ve Succeeded: The Life & Times of Dimas Garza”, directed by Chuco Garcia, a self-taught filmmaker from San Antonio. Produced on a minimal budget but rich with community stories, the film features interviews with musicians, family members and local historians, painting a picture of musical tradition that runs deep in the city.
“These musicians have incredible stories,” Mendoza said. “Many went to local high schools, learned music in school bands or were self-taught. The music carries incredible emotional weight, evoking memories of weddings, lost loved ones and shared community experiences.”
The upcoming event is more than a film screening, it’s an exploration of musical preservation. It will feature a panel discussion with community archivist Jesse Garcia, who maintains the largest collection of West Side sound music in his personal archive, Rae Cabello, founder of Pecos Records, Juan Mendoza, producer for the film, and the West Side Sound Oral History Project board. The panel will discuss the challenges and ethics of documenting local histories, emphasizing the importance of respectful, community-centered approaches.
The event will be held on November 5, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Carver Community Cultural Center. Free and open to the public with catering by Sweet Chela’s, it invites community members to celebrate their rich musical heritage and learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve local cultural histories.
— Katelyn Juarez
