HIDALGO — He’s been captivating audiences for more than 20 years and yet
his live performances remain fresh and full of energy.
It’s no wonder 33-year-old Luis Miguel built a reputation for putting on great
shows. Looking dapper, as always, in a crisp black suit and tie, the Mexican
crooner entertained a sizeable crowd Wednesday night at Dodge Arena in the first
of a two-day stand at the new venue.
Opening with “Vuelve,” an upbeat tune from his latest CD, 33, a trim Luis Miguel
had the ladies squealing from the first bar.
He kept the audience on the edge of their seats with his charm, velvety smooth
voice and his ease with love songs.
Magda Martinez of Brownsville attended Luis Miguel’s concert on South Padre Island
three years ago and looked forward to another strong performance Wednesday before
the concert.
“He’s excellent,” she said. “That’s why I’m here again.”
Edith Garcia of McAllen was seeing Luis Miguel for the first time. After Martinez
raved about his show at the Island, she was eager to see him first hand.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I’ve been wanting to see him for years. I’m a hard-core
fan.”
The impressive stage featured three large screens with a close up projection of
Luis Miguel in the center. The screens were flanked by large columns topped with
flames.
It was something local concert-goers hadn’t seen before in deep South Texas. But
the vast Dodge Arena is able to accommodate more elaborate sets than Valley
residents were used to.
“It feels like we’re in San Antonio,” said Angie Martinez of Brownsville.
Angie Martinez, who also attended last week’s Alan Jackson concert, praised the
sound system in the arena.
“The acoustics are perfect,” she said. “I thought my ears would be ringing after
the concert.”
While performing the song, “Perfidia,” a fan tossed a teddy bear on stage. A
charismatic Luis Miguel danced around with the stuffed animal before throwing it
back to a throng of screaming women.
With the lift of his hand, Luis Miguel commanded the crowd to its feet as he sang,
“Eres,” another song from 33.
He finally addressed the audience after that song.
“This is a celebration,” he said. “A celebration of 33 years of life for me and
celebrating more than 20 years of singing to you. I hope I will continue to
interpret many, many more songs for each and every one of you for years to come.”
Luis Miguel continued, “Tonight I will sing songs from my new album. … And I will
also sing songs I haven’t sung in more than 15 years.”
Hearing that he would perform old-school material brought about a chorus of cheers
from the crowd.
Luis Miguel literally grew up on the international stage. A shaggy-headed, buck
toothed Luis Miguel first hit the radio airwaves in the early 1980s with bubble-gum
songs such as “1+1=2 Enamorados.”
The four-time Grammy winner is up for his umpteenth honor, after receiving an
American Music Award nomination for Favorite Artist – Latin Music. The awards
show is slated for Nov. 16.