Corona boy goes viral for working to raise funds to see Fuerza Regida in concert

A young boy from Corona determined to make his first concert memorable by seeing his favorite band is working hard to secure tickets by selling candy and doing housework for his neighbors.

Ian Fernandez’s efforts to see Mexican regional band Fuerza Regida have gone viral as he documents the tasks he’s been doing to garner enough money for concert tickets. In addition to selling candy for those funds, he’s also been employed by his neighbors to help with household chores such as sweeping and taking out the trash.

Fernandez said he was inspired to work for his dream since he felt a connection to the band’s singer, since they are both from the Inland Empire.

“I listen to Mexican music in general,” Fernandez said. “A few years ago, I listened to them and I really loved it. And I saw that JOP comes from San Bernardino and he’s from hard-working Mexican parents just like me, and I like that the most.”

Fuerza Regida’s tour is slated to kick off this summer, with a show at Dodger Stadium on July 18. Fernandez said after learning about the tour, he approached his parents with his idea to work for the tickets.

“He says he likes to have his own money because mom and dad always make it happen,” said Jazmin Lopez, the boy’s mother. “There is no need for him to work but I support the spirit that he has.”

As of Monday evening, tickets for the band’s tour began at $90+ dollars. Fernandez said he’s seen how expensive those tickets are but said he’s determined to go to the show and take his parents with him.

“Sometimes in life, not everything will be handed to you and you have to work for things because life can be hard sometimes,” he said.