Latin Fusion TV BLOG

It’s always exciting when someone gets nominated to receive an award of some sort. It is more exciting when they win!

Well, this past weekend, we were a part of  a three day event that started with the Tejano Music National Convention (TMNC) and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) weekend exhibits.  The evenings had their own Gran Bailes that featured several Tejano Artist performing for all of the guests that were here in San Antonio to celebrate this Huge Pachanga.

The weekend culminated for us with the 30th Annual Tejano Music Awards and the 6th Annual Tejano Academy Awards, combined and produced by LatinPointe out of Lenexa, Kansas.

As I prepared for the Tejano Music Awards on Sunday, I wondered what goes through the minds of those that were nominated.  I then asked myself  how I would feel.

Well, I know I would be excited and happy and, of course, nervous. And to know that it was the fans that nominated is a bigger reward.

I respect all people in the music industry.  Those who work so many hours on their music and dedicate themselves to a gift that was given to them by God.  Because it is God who gives the voice to sing and the ability to play an instrument.

That, to me, is the best Award anyone could possibly receive.  I congratulate all the nominees and all of the Winners for using God’s gifts in such a manner to be nominated in the first place.

To this weekends nominees and winners: Thank you for keeping La Onda Tejana alive and moving.  I thank all the Artist, those that were there and those that couldn’t make it.  My hat goes off to all of you for such a great job in bringing us beautiful music.

I enjoy listening to the music and meeting new artists and I truly applaud you.  You are the future and we are here  to support you.  I look forward to the day you receive your award.

But for now I want to say:  And the Award goes to…….. You!!

I award you for giving us what we love to hear. Here are some tips for you:

1. Keep up the great work and God will shower you with Abundance;
2. Stay Humble and focused;
3. Persevere and don’t give up on your dream – more people appreciate it than you know;
4. Don’t forget what it took to get you there; and
5. Pass it on!

Now I want to thank a few people: Thank You to David and Sarah Chavez who brought the awards under one Umbrella; Texas Talent Musician Association’s (TTMA)  Robert Arellano & Frank Salazar for their continued service; thirty years, Tejano Academy for your great support, The 30 years of the Tejano Music Awards; our good friend, Abby Chavarilla, who always remembers us, and all of the volunteers that help make this event successful.  All of this could not have happened without your help and support.

Special thanks to Jesse Mascorro of Best Buy Musical Instruments and Best Buy for letting us share the spotlight and host their stage at the exhibit. It was fun, fun fun!

So now I present the award and this Award goes to…..You! All of you!!!

We had a wonderful time and look forward to next year!

Be Blessed and remember that the Biggest and Greatest Award that we all receive is the gift that God gives us….whatever it may be.

Amor Y Paz

Brandy Lopez

“We walk by Faith and not by Sight”

Today we celebrate our Independence Day as a Nation!  It is a time to be thankful for what we have by way of Freedom.  Freedom isn’t free! Do not take it for granted, just ask people from others countries who have had to struggle with oppression.

But there is more to freedom than that as a nation.  One needs to “Be Free” as a person.  One needs to be free to Enjoy life, family and the enjoy the pursuit of happiness. And not be held hostage by lifestyle and fear

Yesterday, I spent a few hours  speaking with a family about alcohol abuse and its effects. They asked me to intervene and moderate a discussion with dad.  Dad did not like this one bit – I understand why he wouldn’t.

The family is in bondage and the father is holding them hostage.  But he loves them and they love him. However, that is not freedom! I understand this too. Because I have held hostages also – with my addictions and behavior.

So I say this – if you are struggling with oppression – be it self imposed or otherwise – Work to BE FREE!  Seek help, dig deep, trust God and work your way out!  But do not try to go at it alone.  There are people who will support your efforts.

Freedom is to be enjoyed and I love the fact that I am no longer a slave to alcohol and drugs. I love my family and they love me. And today I even have friends that care about me deeply, because I truly care about them…

So… Please enjoy your freedoms and say hi to someone you don’t know.  Strike up a conversation.  Do something that makes you feel free – go for a walk, I don’t know, but do something – understand that what little freedoms we do have – someone paid the ultimate price for us – be grateful!

So today, I got to enjoy my freedom and Celebrate the Fourth of July at Woodlawn Lake watching fireworks.  And I want to say the following: God Bless America, I Support our troops and I am Proud to be an American.

Finally, We appreciate you all who read our blog – Please know that we love and appreciate you all and enjoy your comments.   Thanks for reading and sharing.  We love it!

Oh yeah, you can check out our July 4th video and pics on our website and gallery.

God Bless, Take care and Cool Runnings  — Michael Arellano

This is a special blog from our correspondent “Sid” and he is just “Dishin’ it out!”

Okay, what’s the deal? Why has everyone gone out and gotten in a great big hurry? Drivers that tail you, not giving enough space, speeding around you just to get in front of you by one car, pulling out in front of you when there is clearly no traffic behind you….Crazy driving. That’s my beef!

There ain’t no need to endanger your life or the life of others just to get one car ahead.  It’s bad enough we gotta text and talk on the phone (dangerous enough – and yes I am guilty of talking on the phone – not texting, though!) while we drive, but then we gotta get in front.

Look, I can be a speed demon on the road and I am no better than you.  But I have to watch out for the other drivers also. They too have families and loved ones. I could be a race car driver, not because I like to go fast, but I watch patterns in traffic, the speed of other drivers, the way others maneuver through traffic….All things necessary to be a good driver.

I watch cars drive right up on your butt, not paying attention to the fact that you have cars on either side and in front and then they want you to pull over and let them pass….crazy arse drivers. They are driving like maniacs – all to get one car ahead….crazy arse drivers. Oh, I already said that!

Here are my suggestions…

1. Pay attention to all cars in all lanes, especially if you are in a fast lane mode;
2. Respect the fast lane if you want others to respect it for you;
3. Don’t make phones while driving;
4. Don’t text while driving;
5. Try not to zigzag through traffic;
6. Keep an eye on what is going on with the vehicles in front of you;
7. Give yourself an opportunity to adjust to traffic, not react to it;
8. Use your blinker;
9. Adjust your rear-view mirrors; and
10. Don’t drive with a chip on your shoulder!!!

You will be the better driver if you put on some lovemaking music rather than war tunes – I promise!  Look, we all have places to go and people to see and sometimes we run late – I get it – You are moreimportant than me, but do not risk all of our lives cuz you think you are more important and we should bow to you. The road is ours, not yours.

And yes, I got the memo – It is all bout you!  But guess what? I filed that memo in my round file…so there.

Please be cool this Fourth of July.  Arrive alive, Don’t Drink and Drive!  There is no law against getting wasted and letting someone else drive, just don’t get wasted and drive…call a cab – it is worth it in the end. Trust me, I know! Get a designated driver.

As far as driving like an arse – is it really worth it? I think not.

I’m just saying!

I am Sid and I am just Dishin’ it out!

Later Alligator!

I wanna talk about the magic in music, the musicians themselves and the beauty associated with the creative process.  I am not speaking, however, as a creator of music, but instead, from the standpoint of a fan.  I love music!  But, most of the time, I cannot tell you what they are saying (lyrically speaking) because I really only hear melody and rhythm.  I love music as a background to great conversation (except when driving) so I don’t really listen to lyrics. And I love to hear what musicians have to say about their craft and how they come to create.

As I am around more and more musicians and I get to speak to them on a personal level, I become more appreciative of what they do, how they do it and the fact that they are kind enough to share their passion with me.

As an executive producer of Latin Fusion TV, I am lucky enough to engage in some great conversations.  And I believe that great conversation has become a lost art.  I really enjoy talking with people, especially those that have influenced our lives one way or another.  This is the best and worst part of what I do.  Let me explain…

Trying to capture passion and creativity for our viewers is what we try to do.  By what we share with you, we hope to empower, encourage while we entertain.  sounds good, right? But there is so much that is said that is not shared because it was not captured on tape.  Too me this is sad because so much goes into creating and living a dream of passion. And we should all be privy to this beautiful process.

But how do we learn about this process and the people involved.  By listening! Everyone has a story they want to tell.  We just have to listen and be willing to ask the right questions.  I am not a musician, but I love music so I enjoy when an artists shares his creation with me.  I am sure that I am not the only one.

A quick list on how to bring the magic of conversation alive:

1. Be genuinely interested in others and what they have to say;
2. Don’t interrupt to tell your story – listen first;
3. Ask sincere questions;
4. Share how they have influenced you so they know that what they do is actually appreciated;
5. Make them feel comfortable in speaking with you;
6. Thank them for taking time to speak with you.

Artists are people too, they may be busy or just have their mind wrapped around what they are working on, so be patient.  But this goes with all people. We need to be more patient with people – I know I do.

I don’t know, I just wanted to share something with you that I believe is important…that is the importance and thrill of being engaged in great conversation.

And that is what music is to me, artists speaking to me through their work and their passion. And I appreciate it very much.

To all who make music – thanks! Thanks for taking time to talk to us in a manner that is both beautiful and creative!

And a specific thanks to the following from me:  the Fleas – Philip Ramirez Sr and Jr of Grupo Atrevido; Sam Villelas from Sexto Sol, Jesse Borrego, Ariel Johnson and Arthur Campos of Ariel Johnson y La Cliqua and all of the others who take time to talk to “lil o me” – just a fan!

God Bless, Take care and Cool Runnings! – Michael

Today is a National Holiday for Mexicanos all over the world, right? Or is it just a day to celebrate! In San Antonio, we don’t really need a day to celebrate – but we do celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

If you don’t know what it is – it is when the smaller Mexican Army (4,000) defeated the larger French Army (8,000) in Puebla, Mexico and the French were eventually run out of Mexico.  More important than that, however, is that it is the last time any foreign military invaded the Americas…so I read!

I should be happy as an American of Mexican decent that we survived the invasion, right? But what if some of my French ancestors were part of the army that got defeated – then what?

But Temple, TX – what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?  Nothing except that we were invited to Temple TX to participate in their celebration.  We had a great time and want to share how that no matter what plans seem not to go your way – something good is going to come out of it IF you Trust in the Lord.

We want to Thank Derik Strelsky and Roney Castor of KRXT 98.5 Ritmo Tejano in Rockdale who were instrumental in our trip.  Special Thanks to Russ Meyer of Club Laredo Harker Heights who helped make it possible.  Also thanks to LULC Council 4593.  May we continue on our journey together.  You see, we went to support those who support us.  That is the way it should be.  Oh and I cannot forget the absolutely delicious Little Salsa from Pete and Kathy Sanchez…They got it down – tasty and picoso!

We had the opportunity to eat lots of good food for very reasonable prices. It was family friendly and well attended and the music was great.  Especially the closing of the Festival with the classy and legendary El Gato Negro, Ruben Ramos.  Someone got a pair of his shoes and another had dinner with the genteel Tejano Icon.  It is always nice to spend time with a man of class, dignity and grace.  I can learn alot from him.

But finally, I just want to add that what seemed to be a day of question, turned into an eventful day of fun and good company.  And herein lies the lesson – expect little and get a multitude of blessings.

It turns out that serenity is inversely proportional to expectations – the greater the expectation the lower the serenity and the lower the expectations – the greater the serenity.  What a way to live!

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings!  Michael

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Fiesta is the largest event in our Beautiful City of San Antonio.

Organizations work all year to prepare for their cause and alot of funding is raised, and just to be able to be a part in volunteering our time for such great cause is a Blessing.

But today I want to share with you about someone who is dear to me and LFTV, one who has always volunteered his time with his music and his humility with the world.

Sam Watkins, country music artist/ songwriter from Austin, Texas is one artist that I feel everyone should get to know.  Far more than his musical talents but because he is involved in helping families find  missing children. This is a mission very close to his own heart, as a parent of a missing child.

Sam wrote and recorded a song titled “Baby Girl” which has since become a song of Hope for the Families of missing children.

When he gives to his community he gives it with alot of Love from the heart, Sam and his band came to San Antonio to  our Christmas Gala and  brought a huge bag of toys to share with children, who other wise would have nothing to unwrap on Christmas morning.

He reaches out to other communities, and is always ready to help out in anyway he can.  He is Blessed with a strong team  and his wife Tina, who supports and manages his career.

Sam will be traveling, with his band, throughout the states and Europe will be sharing the importance of protecting your children, and will share with the world his Great love for Music, and I can say this he has a voice that cannot be missed and should always be heard.

Thank You Sam for your beautiful music, the support you give, But most of all to the faith and hope you share with families who deal with lost or missing children.

Now, what does this have to do with Fiesta, you ask? Lots!

Please be mindful of your children at all times and keep them close by.  Fiesta, or any other large event, is not the time to give young children the autonomy to roam free! This is family time and nothing ruins that more than the hurried, harried feeling of being separated from your loved ones in a large crowd! AND the feeling of a missing child is enough to make any parents heart drop!

IF you get lost or separated – have a plan – before the event.  Something like this:

1. Have a plan before you get there;
2. Find a specific spot to meet if separated;
3. Notify authorities immediately if person is not at meeting point;
4. Utilize cell phones and other means of communications; and
5. Do not deviate from this plan…

As I said, nothing is worse than tragedy at an event, but you can always be prepared.  We are not pessimists, but instead realists! And we want you – and yours – to enjoy the beautiful Fiesta San Antonio and any other event for that matter.

Viva Fiesta!

Blessings – Brandy Lopez / Michael Arellano