Darla Campbell Copywriter

The last evening of summer fades into darkness as Beto Lozano Jr. slips into a one room casita that boasts few modern amenities. Tucked away on a narrow street and hidden amongst a row of tiny dwellings, there is nothing to suggest that such a humble abode serves as a haven for an artist soon to grace the stage at the coveted X Venue. Yet, when seclusion demands a personal audience with the second generation star, Beto's footsteps quietly trace their way along the dusty, low-lit sidewalk to this unassuming spot.

A small fan and window unit provide the dim hideout with a bit of relief from the sweltering heat here on the Mexican border. Nature's solstitial display is queued to exit but apparently it will not be leaving a minute too soon. Here in his modest chamber, free of glamour and fanfare, Beto finds the comfort he is looking for. Low-key accommodations may afford nothing elaborate, yet the trade-off is priceless. It is a perfect escape from unexpected disturbances that would prove unwelcome on a night such as this.

Beto begins to put aside thoughts of all else as he prepares his mind for the upcoming show. Pacing back and forth over a few span of feet, his focus becomes singular. Releasing any last minute cares, he offers himself in complete surrender to a sacred bond that transcends the gap between what has been and what will be. It may be said by some that he is walking in his father's shadow, singing his father's songs but it can be said by none that he fails to esteem the honor of bringing forward the life's work of one so fondly remembered and loved by his community. The devotion of his father's fans has not been diminished in the twenty years since his passing. They have instead handed down the music to their descendants and it lives on vibrantly to this day.

As successor to both the name and the artistic legacy, there is a spotlight shining on the younger Lozano and it serves as his commission. He will continue to carry the torch lit by the songs that have ignited the hearts of so many. In just a little while he will showcase the inheritance that has been entrusted to him. An inheritance he counts as a privilege. His intense and sincere focus in this little room bears that out. As he continues to press into his own dimension, a reverent quality begins to envelope the atmosphere. A serene element that supersedes natural luxuries is present now and in this tangible energy, Beto Lozano Jr. finds his center. The pacing ceases and he takes a seat. 

He settles in now and readies himself to share his father's story. His demeanor lends itself effortlessly to the modest room that has become a habitation shrouded in familial meditations. His olive skin is an attractive compliment against the polished coral button down layered beneath his suit. Far from ostentatious, yet in every way he is as well-dressed as he is well-mannered in a style that blends naturally with the ease of who he is. A single gold chain, adorned with a small, diamond studded heart charm is resting on his chest as a symbol of the love he shares with his bride. His genuine nature exudes a calmness, coupled with a passion to carry on the Lozano musical tradition and it seems to have him glowing. This tradition is still moving the hearts of Juarez where his father's fame is second only to one, the recently deceased Mexican Superstar, Juan Gabriel.

Amongst the few decorations gracing the walls of this secret refuge, there are special pieces that stand out as the keepsakes of days gone by. Beto points out the mementoes that his father left behind. Awards and accolades, photos and record albums that tell their own story of Lozano Sr. who is lovingly remembered by his fans as Su Majestad. His gift to stir hearts with the ballads he wrote not only sets him apart as a premiere artist but also as one characterized for his authentic relatability. Though referred to as Your Majesty he was well known by the locals as a down to earth public figure, kind and approachable. He is remembered as a  dedicated family man, well-liked and respected by everyone who knew him. 

Beto Jr. explains that some changes took place in earlier years for reasons that were never fully disclosed to the public. There is a story within the story that seems to have long since been tucked away. A key to the unanswered questions that many fans have long pondered. As Beto Jr. begins to touch more deeply on the separation between his father and his original band, Los Silver, a light knocking at the door interrupts the conversation. His attention is drawn away from the past as he greets his father's second band, Su Grupo. The discussion takes a new direction as these mainstay friends enter the room. A few of these gentlemen began with Los Silver but upon a diverging path they reformed under Su Grupo and they have long since been by Beto Jr's side, remaining loyal to the Lozano vision. 

It is an honor to meet these gifted musicos. They reminisce about the man they knew and loved and share what it means to lend their talents to his son and to a work that has stood the test of time. The devotion to their craft and the commitment to Beto Sr. and his family defines the spirit of true camaraderie in a world of artists where egocentricity is not necessarily foreign to the landscape. Alas, the conversation comes full circle and it turns out that the mystery is far less controversial than might have been suspected.

Your Majesty was as royal in his character as his title portrays. Somehow it is not surprising to learn that a well-deserved break from traveling and entertaining ultimately led him back to fulfilling the greatest of all his plans, which was to enjoy his family to the fullest and spend his time at home with those he loved the most. No harrowing break-up with well-guarded secrets known only by a few to divulge but rather something of a love story unfolds, and it is as fitting as the man who penned them. Family first. Family forever.

An invitation to appear at the X is extended to only those who have earned the rite of passage and are remembered as the great artist of Juarez. Tonight the men in this room will stand together and bring memorable melodies back to this prized city once again. Melodies that have transcended decades and connected generations throughout the Paso Del Norte region with its distinct culture and a heritage that boasts core values as strong and enduring as the mountains that surround this land. 

Leaving behind the cramped cottage, it is time to head to the Fiesta Juarez en Familia Fair, the annual celebration that has been known to host up to 500,000 patrons, drawing close to 150,000 guests from the U.S. and quite literally the X marks the spot where the two countries come together to share in good times and good songs. The scenery behind us disappears as the winding roads lead to the bright lights shining before us and to the open air stage where a night of remembering will etch itself into history, leaving its own mementos behind. 

At last, Beto Lozano Jr. steps onto the stage. His companions ready their instruments. The music begins and Beto's voice joins in seamlessly.  From the first note the crowd is completely immersed, everything around them seems to have faded away except for the music. Suddenly, I feel a bit caught up and mesmerized myself. I sense that I am being ushered into something more than a song, and I am.

As the lyrics from tunes such as No Quisiera Que Llores, Novia Linda, and No la He Vuelto Ha Ver pour out, it is clear that the son continuing in the spirit of his father needs no further validation. Sharing from his vast body of work which includes more than 480 songs to his credit, the younger masterfully brings forth the riches of his father's lyrical treasures. The perks of fame and the props of the proverbial limelight are outweighed in the here and now. This family calling has its own great reward and it's found in the voices rising as one. A sweet symphony pierces the air with commanding unison, every soul is transfixed in chorus as every heart renders up a pleasant offering. That something more than a song is here, all around us.

The palpable atmosphere that touched down in a tiny room across town has found its way to this massive field and it has gathered the audience into one great family, happily lost in care-free celebration. This reunion has banished any present troubles from their minds as the common threads of each life, both young and old, are woven together, welcoming and honoring the diversities and experiences that led each to make their pilgrimage to this place. Here they have found a deep contentment in an exchange that words alone cannot touch.

The music is far more than dulcet sounds floating across the air to be lost somewhere in the night. It's a knitting together of people and moments, both past and present. It is memories taking center stage. It is the essence of family. It is love, given expression in song. It is joyous times recounted. It is the hope of good things recaptured. The reminder that walking in the spirit of love with those who mean the most is a majestic bond of eternal souls not easily broken. It's mutual trust and friendship, where the defenses are down and the richness of life's truest treasures can be shared. It's a dissolution of time where everything precious and distant draws near. 

Su Majestad, you are indeed with us this night, stirring hearts beyond the reveries of musical incantations. As summer crosses over into autumn you have reminded us that seasons do indeed change, that the years will continue to go passing by but the memories are ours to hold forever. Nature has led us ever so subtly in her graceful dance when we least expected it and a freshness has slipped into the air. The maturity of fall is upon us now and an unspoken message has been ushered in. We are saturated in the knowledge, that perhaps at the last, you had been hoping to impart to us all.

The paths that we take and the lives we create, no matter where they may leads us, in the end, should always bring us back to what is most important. As this night of rememberance comes to a close we savor the sublime connectedness that is holding us all in a single embrace and we are content to just linger and soak here for a while. None is eager to break the tranquility of this finale, encompassing us with a serenity and stillness that leaves us with the sweetness of the years.

The music recedes but we remain captured. It is as though a splendid manta is resting gently on every shoulder, spun from the oneness created here tonight and yet we know this moment will soon come to an end and this event will be nothing more than a memory. The lights begin to go down on the concert stage and the hush in the air softly fades as families, unhurried, begin to disperse. A low, contended chatter rises with the movement of the crowd. Some will retire to their homes now and some will move toward the festival attractions across the field to the many delights that beckon there.

Long after these grounds stand empty each family will go on celebrating life in their own unique ways. Carrying with them the strength of an invisible and indelible deposit that has broken across the unseen realm and cascaded over Juarez tonight. An offering has been graciously returned to the people, and like an inner beacon it will guide them on. Standing under a canopy of glistening stars against a charcoal sky, I find myself still encapsulated in the buenas vibras that unite the flow of the celestiales to the terrenal and I can't help but bask just a little while longer. As I take it all in I realize that I am leaving with a sense of completion. One that I did not know I needed but I'm glad to have gained and I finally understand now what the others who gathered here tonight have known all along. This was never about a son living in his father's shadow. It's about a light in this city that will never go out!