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Maybe it was the fact that I have listened to his songs my entire life and am still able to sing them despite my inability to carry on a conversation in Spanish, or maybe it was the realization of being in the presence of a living legend.

Or maybe it was because he sounded so much better live than any CD I have ever heard.

Maybe it was the large amounts of alcohol we consumed at Cazuelas Mary before the concert (remember to sip Gran Patron — don’t shoot it).

Or maybe it was the fact that this would be his final year performing and there will be no “old-school” Reys de Rancheras to fill his mighty boots ...

Whatever the case may be, when Chente’s powerful voice traveled through my ears at his concert, I cried.

I cried hard and often throughout that night. I did not care who saw me or if I had mocos smeared across my face.

Hearing those songs Saturday filled me up with emotion from blessed memories throughout my life; memories shared with people I love deeply and those precious few no longer with us.

Sweet it was indeed, and I am so thankful to have witnessed him in the flesh.

Oh yeah, the young lady that came onto the stage and sang alongside Chente sounded awesome.

We were all blown away — she kicked major cola. Volver ... Volver.