Special Event with John Secada
Standing with a drink looking at the sun set over the horizon of Caribbean Mexico, I took a quick moment to take it all in. A top international company that specialized in several food products was having its annual “reward” based trip to an exotic destination in the middle of February. The top 50 producers and spouses from all over the world were given one week to “live it up” as a reward for their excellent year. And although I hadn’t sold a single can of food, I got to tag along for the ride. The sun was steady, the sand was white and the water was several shades of blue. The Mayakoba in the Mexican Riviera was the type of place that you would dream about during a cold, snowy Minnesota winter day. It was the type of place that made you brag to all of your jealous friends that you had a winter tan. Kids played in the pool. Foursomes teed it up on the pristine greens. Old friends grabbed a boat ride along the canal starting at the lobby and ending at the beach-side pool. Couples walked hand-in-hand on the sand, making lifetime memories.
While I just arrived for a quick weekend getaway, the top sales performers had been enjoying a week full of PGA tour quality golf courses, 90-minute massages, and ATV dune buggy excursions. What they didn’t know was that the highlight of their week was yet to come. Entering into the front lobby of the hotel, a bellman helped escort me to my room.
“Where are you from?” the young man asked in a thick Mexican-Spanish accent.
“Texas. I am helping to produce a special private show for some company executives”, I went on to explain. Figuring that the bellman might actually be a fan, I told him I would reveal the secret performer if he promised not to tell. “Jon Secada will be performing a small private show here at the hotel tomorrow night”, I said.
His smile said it all. It was a look of respect. With Jon Secada’s recent selection as one of the judges for “Latin American Idol”, I could have assumed that the young man had simply recognized the name in recent news. But the bellman showed a different type of acknowledgement and appreciation. Even though the he was a native Mexican, and Jon Secada was a Cuban-born American, I could tell that his Spanish language roots went trans-borders and allowed him to truly appreciate Jon Secada’s work and career.
Jon Secada, a two-time Grammy Award winner and Broadway lead was the highlight finish at the end of the special week. Many remember Jon Secada from all of his hit songs that stemmed back to the early ‘90s, including the famous “Just Another Day Without You”, which received generous radio airplay. What many didn’t realize is how talented and genuinely kind Jon Secada really is. Listening to his voice within a close range allowed me to witness his ability “up close and personal”. His vocal range and the strength of his “pipes” went behind the emotion of his music to give listeners goose bumps. Jon showed his versatility to sing in different genres, changing from pop to Broadway. Between songs, Jon was very engaging with the audience. He spoke about the early days of his career and how much he thought of his friend and colleague, Gloria Estefan, who gave him the big break he needed to start in the industry. During his playful song “Spanish Eyes”, Jon even went out into the audience to look for a lucky lady to serenade. After the show, Jon was very friendly and took time to sign autographs and take pictures with every fan who stuck around. There were several stories told about how couples fell in love to his music and how he was an inspiration to those who were just going through a tough time. Working for a time in the music industry, I’ve had the opportunity to see and interact with several musicians both on and off the stage. Jon Secada is truly a rare breed. What made Jon Secada’s performance special was his effort and willingness to connect with fans and to open up to them. In today’s age of Gulfstream private planes and celebrity meltdowns, it is a special treat to find a humble musician so personable and so comfortable in his own skin.
The next day brought rain and taxi rides back to the airport, which led to the end of the fairy-tale week and a return back to reality. Understandably, many cited how difficult it was going to be to leave. However, with batteries recharged and spirits lifted, everyone took comfort that this would not be “just another day”.
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02-18-2008, 06:58 PM
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