Voiceover by Lawrence Standifer Stevens

Written by Joseph E. Casanova

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International singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz follows up 2012’s platinum La Musica No Se Toca (You Can’t Touch the Music) with his newest release, Sirope (Syrup).

Road trips to see your favorite artists can be expensive. I found that out in 2004 when I ventured to Laredo for the Alejandro Sanz concert.

Tickets were $100 apiece, including tax, title, license, service fees and other miscellaneous door prizes. I also had vehicle maintenance. I didn’t want to be stranded along IH-35.

Two hours later, I checked into the Bates Motel and gorged myself on Tex-Mex cuisine at Danny’s. Then it was time for the concert.

Spain’s premier singer-songwriter rocked the Energy Arena with classics such as “Corazon Partio” (“Broken Heart”) and “Amiga Mia” (“My Friend”). Since Sanz hardly toured Texas, I had to have souvenirs like a T-shirt and a program.

Rounding out my expenses were a midnight snack at Taco Palenque, tablets for heartburn at HEB and breakfast at another Danny’s location. I spent over $300, but to be honest, I’d do it all over again…well…except for the heartburn.

Sanz hits the road this summer in support of his newest CD, Siropa (Syrup), the follow-up to 2012’s platinum La Musica No Se Toca (You Can’t Touch the Music). The first single, “Un Zombie a la Intemperie” (“Zombie Under the Open Sky”), has already fared well on the Latin charts.

Only tour dates for Spain have been confirmed with more to be added for Latin America.

The Grammy winner reached mega-stardom in 2005 when he teamed up with Colombian rockera Shakira for the international smash “La Tortura” (“The Torture”).

In 2009, he scored another #1 hit with the island-tinged “Looking for Paradise” featuring neo soul diva Alicia Keys. He even paired with Destiny’s Child at the 2001 Latin Grammies for the melodic “Quisiera Ser” (“I Would Rather Be”).

Nothing’s been scheduled for Texas so far, but if Sanz even hits El Paso, I’m so there. Instead of driving, I’ll think I’ll fly. Hey, Sonny and Hector, how about that raise?