I first performed with the conjunto ensemble, and had the opportunity to sing and play bajo sexto. We did great, and I was really proud of how we sounded together. Immediately after, I had to try and throw on my mariachi traje, and run over to the other side of the area to join that band. I was throwing gritos, singing, and contributing guitar to this group. After we warmed up the crowd, we hung around to play some patriotic music (in our own style) for the ceremonies.

Once the dedication was finished, we had two other gigs throughout the city for potential patrons and donors to the UT mariachi program. Although I will be graduating this Spring, I think that our efforts will make a difference for future generations of longhorn musicians, as the room was buzzing with talk of several thousands of dollars being donated and generated for our struggling program.

People often ask me what the importance of music is.  Had you been able to attend the tejano monument unveiling, perhaps you would not need to ask.  The sense of pride that you could see in the peoples eyes made every note sound that much sweeter.  It was a great day.

You can see me here at the 0:38 mark:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/texas-news/144924735.html

After the show I met a really cool cat. He was a member of the 13:1 rock band out of Delaware who would be playing later that night, but he was also really enthusiastic about our set. He came and gave us so much positive feedback about our performance, and told us that we were the change of pace needed for the venue. I was worried we were a bit out of our element, but he made me realize that any music you put your heart into has a place in a rock festival. Although we didn’t stay late enough to see their show, I wish them well, and know that musicians with that kind of attitude are usually the most likely to succeed.

1.  Just because you want to go ridiculously fast and ride my tail, does not mean that I should get out of your way.

Who are you, and why should I submit to your desire to drive like a fool?  Im steady at 10mph over the limit…you wanna go any faster than that? YOU should be the one to weave through traffic.  I dont see why I gotta bounce all over the highway, just because I dont want to drive like a madman or drive 55mph in the left side trapped in a field of semi trucks.  Besides, the constant changing of lanes is the dangerous aspect of the behavior.  If you wanna drive fast and don’t mind that danger, go all the way, cowboy up, and weave all over the place while the rest of us kick back to a little Aja.  At the very basic heart of the argument is the collective contribution to the ridiculousness of someone else’s actions.  If you want to drive 20-30mph over the limit, why should we as society help you break that law?  I think we should keep you down where we are, instead of enabling the problem and getting out of your way.

2.  Following space laws need to be just as enforced and fined as speed laws.

I literally feel like I’m just trying to keep myself alive sometimes when I’m on my way home. People don’t understan that I dont tailgate by choice, and dont feel like I have to direct the speed of the drive.   When they are constantly jumping in my space, I can not maintain what is safe and have to slow down.

3.  Cruise control is mandatory, if you have it on your car.

If you are committed to a long drive, there is no reason to think you have to drive as aggressively as you do in the city.  If everyone just kicked back at a steady pace, traffic would move so fluidly, that we would ALL save more time with less accidents, and a more steady rate of motion among those on the road at that time.

Thats my rant for now.  Perhaps I’m getting old…then again…perhaps I’m just getting wiser

“With his unique musical style which blends classic 70’s and 80’s singer/songwriter fare and 90’s R&B with a modern twist and a slick pop sense, he should have no problem breaking through to the mainstream.  It also helps that his thoughtful, soul baring lyrics are sincere and honest without settling for the usual fake-sounding pop music clichés.”

“Chris Diaz is a skilled songwriter and he pulls from classic songwriters of the past on “I Think Of You” with Beatles-esque melodies, an Elton John-like vocal, along with a Billy Joel-like command over the piano, while paying homage to these great artists without relying on pastiche or clichés.”

“As many musicians are these days, Chris Diaz is flying under the radar.  Given the chance though, his smooth and inviting voice and the memorable piano-led songwriting showcased on his new album The Ride Home should garner him the attention he deserves.”

–Justin Kreitzer

“What perhaps is most unique about Diaz’s release is his effortless ability to portray every emotion imaginable. Whether it’s heartache, the death of a loved one, or questioning life’s existence he makes it easy for most to relate.”

–Annie Reuter

“The music of Chris Diaz is infectious.”

–Gary Hill