I was recently introduced to a young man who plays the harmonica.  He is a young protege of the man that introduced us.  The man that introduced us is considered one of the  best “Chicago Blues” harmonica players in San Antonio – his name is Benny Harp. And for those that do not know – the harmonica is also called a “harp.”  Why so – I do not know – but if you know why – without giving the wikipedia definition – feel free to inform us all.

Being that I am not a musician – I cannot tell you one way or the other if Benny Harp is a great musician or harmonica player.  I have heard him play and I enjoy it, but I am no critic…  What I will say is that I respect Benny Harp for reasons unrelated to music. Benny is a mentor to this young man, teaching him what he knows about playing the harmonica – and I respect that.

And that is what I write about today: Sharing, caring and passing it on.  So many people have talent, some of it is polished and some of it needs to be developed.  We are all born with talent – but it needs to be developed and we need someone to help us do this.

This is why we have teachers and coaches.  This is why we have mentors – but more important is this is why we NEED teachers, coaches and mentors.  And I am not talking about doing it for pay, but because it is important to pass things on or “Pay it Forward.”  Because it was done for us.

Ever see the movie “the Sandlot?” Remember the kid who wanted to play ball but didn’t know how to throw.  Bennie “the Jet” taught him how.  My dad taught me how to throw and catch and now I am teaching my daughter. These are just examples of passing it on.

Anyway, someone taught Benny how to play the Harmonica and now he is teaching Justin Vasquez.  I don’t know how good Justin is – but I enjoyed what little I heard.  I am including a little link for you to hear for yourself.  I hope you can get it on your system and I hope you enjoy it:  Harmonica_Justin Vasquez

Feel free to let us know if you would like to see more of this young cat.  He is actually a very cool young man, too.  But hey, here are the reasons to Pay it Forward or Pass it on:

1. It shows that you appreciate God’s gifts enough to pass it on;
2. It shows you care about others;
3. It shows you care about the future;
4. It feels good to help someone out;
5. It is a gift to you both;
6. It allows for the cycle to continue;
7. You never know who will eventually get influenced; and
8. It is the right thing to do!

Look, we have all been influenced and have been an influence in one way or another.  I used to be a bad influence and sometimes still am, but with my recovery today – I am more of a positive influence than not.  I am grateful for the time that others spent with me so I could get to where I am today.

I was unbelievably fortunate to have some of the teachers and mentors I had.  I don’t know that I have a lot of skills to pass along – but when I can – I try to help.  I have taught chess, checkers, ping pong, math, English, writing and even a bit on spiritual matters, along with many other things.  Because someone took the time to teach me – I try to do the same.

After all, by sharing this blog with you – I am passing along of part me that I enjoy – writing and informing.  I could write all about me and how wonderful I am – and I am… But I don’t … But really – I am wonderful!

I would rather share with you things that matter to the world at large and have meaning and substance to more than just me.  I want to make the world a better place – one Blog at a time.  I hope I am making a difference.  I hope that I write about Matters of Influence rather than just a self absorbed literary diatribes on self and achievements.

I hope you get it! And I hope you pass it on and I am not just referring to the Blog itself, but the messages within.  With that, I wish you well!

Take care, pass it on pay it forward and Cool Runnings Mon – Michael

P.S. Thanks for all of the great comments. We read them all and get rid of lots of junk so you do not have to read them…If you really want to get a hold of us, put your email in the comment itself – we will clean it up before we post it. Later!

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”