Not performing for the last few months has been hard for me, and I started to accept that playing out would just not be an option for the foreseeable future. With that being said I am very sad about the circumstances of my first performance of this horrible season. My wife and I will be performing at the funeral of our very best client. His name was Ruben and he died of this dreadful virus on Friday.

We meet Ruben at a Dia de los Muertos (All Souls Day) carnival. He came up to us after our show, and told how much he loved our sound, versatility, our daughter’s violin playing, matching uniforms, and so on. He introduced us to his partner, Marco, and told us that they were getting married and asked us if we could perform at their wedding party. Well, this type of wedding would be a first for us but we were happy to do it.

Their wedding party was the most elegant I have ever seen. I assumed that most of the guests would be male, but I was wrong! You see, Ruben was a very in demand, hair/makeup artist and style consultant to some of the most beautiful Latina women in the area. He formed very strong bonds with many of his clients, and lucky for us, he would recommend us to every bride and quinceañera that came to him for his services. Every year he would hold big parties for his clients and we would always perform at these extravagant events. He held many theme parties where everyone would dress in costume. If it wasn’t a costume party, everybody would dress to impress with all the ladies in long evening gowns and the men in tuxes. Ruben would do up to 3 wardrobe change a night! This was such a nice change of pace from the usual ripped jeans and t-shirts you see everywhere now.

So here’s to you Ruben, the most elegant and kindest man I’ve ever known. We’ll be sure to play your favorite boleros, and cumbias for you, brother. You will be missed by so many. May you rest in peace.

RIP, Ruben, and sorry for the loss of your friend, Paul ...

Paul - Wow, very sad story indeed. 2020 has not been a good year for most of the world for sure. I know Ruben's family and friends will all appreciate the special music that you and your family will provide. RIP Ruben and may we all be delivered from this virus nightmare soon.

Bittersweet Paul - sad that he passed, but the sweet memories of the man and of the happiness you provided for him will last forever ...

Paul, My condolences to you and your family. May Ruben rest in peace.

Paul so sorry for the loss of your dear friend
may he rest in eternal peace...so sad to hear this.

Thank you Donny, Steven, Jerry, Randy and Tony.

We did the performance outside the funeral home yesterday. Inside they held they held a mass, and also a viewing earlier. Also a mariachi performed. We rehearsed all weekend and came up with a set that I think was very meaningful, and some songs brought tears to everyone's eyes, while others songs got everyone smiling, laughing, singing and dancing.I think Mexicans and Latinos in general have different way of grieving, and actually part of the process involves celebration through songs, dancing, celebrating, and grieving together as one.

Between each song, my wife and I would share a memory about Ruben, and how that song captured his essence.

One his best friends/clients, a lovely lady named "Corazón" told me something that really impacted me. She said that, of course Ruben was a good stylist, and had impeccable taste, but his services as a stylist went way beyond that. She said she could probably get just as good results results with a number of other stylists. But what set him apart was his ability to build meaningful relationships. She said that an appointment would with Ruben would often become like a therapy session. He would listen and often give thoughtful responses. She said he could make a women feel beautiful not so much by how he cut or colored her hair, the make up he would use, or the dresses he pick out, but by the emotional support he would he would give.

Descansa en paz mi amigo

Gosh, what a tough way to return to work. My condolences Paul.

Ruben sounds like ne was a super cool guy,. who I would of liked to meet. I love the music you played for him and gave him a classy final tribute. Sorry for the loss of your friend

Thanks Ted. Yeah, it was tough, probably not the safest thing to do either, but it was a labor of love.