A Musical Journey through Time and Nostalgia
“Wait, ¿qué?” That brief, startled question flitted through my mind upon hearing the news: Marco Antonio Solís, beloved by many as El Buki, was set to perform here in Nashville, and not just anywhere, but in one of the city’s most esteemed venues! It seemed almost like a dream, but sí, it was true. The stars truly did align, granting me, a humble admirer, press access to this vibrant evento. (A million gracias to you, Kate; truly, eres una estrella).
The serene valley of Jinotega, Nicaragua, where my younger years unfolded, was home not only to me but to a bustling panadería – our family bakery. Here, where labor often kicked off as the world still slumbered at 3 am, I found my earliest memories gently perfumed by the enticing aroma of fresh bread. It was to this olfactory symphony that the bakers’ voices, singing a todo pulmón las rolas del Buki, provided a heartfelt melody, stitching themselves into my recollections. Additionally, the bus rides at 5 am to visit León, a seaside town painted with the most dream-like of vistas, were always accompanied by the soulful tunes of Marco Antonio Solís, forming a soundtrack for that 6-hour journey.
In my teenage years, although his music had yet to find a staunch fan in me, Marco Antonio Solís undeniably became an intricate part of my life’s tapestry. His poignant lyrics, which once seemed too complex for my younger self, eventually nestled deeply within my corazón, offering a comforting melody through the undulating terrains of life’s realities. Marco’s tunes became a refuge, enveloping my soul in a gentle embrace during those moments when it needed it most. The poignant strains of “Navidad Sin Ti” could coax tears from even the most stoic of eyes, and after migrating to the USA, his melodious voice was a constant companion during those melancholic, introspective nights, reviving memories of what I once believed were the pinnacle years of my life.
Zooming into 2023, on the crisp evening of Friday, October 13th, witnessing the man, the legend, en persona amidst a sea of eagerly awaiting fans was nothing short of hermoso. Attendees, draped in vibrant flags, holding aloft signs that whispered and shouted their love, and families, whole generations, who came together to bask in this noche mágica, all became part of a tapestry of unity and celebration.
El Buki, with a stage presence that seamlessly married charisma with genuine connection, enchanted us for 2.5 hours. He sang, he danced, he played multiple instruments, all without a break, weaving a spell that bound us to each rhythmic note. His voice, a river of emotive melodies, had the potency to extract tears from even the fiercest warrior. The stage, an entity of beauty, boasted massive screens, a mesmerizing light display, and confetti, wrapping us all in a spectacle of visual and auditory wonder. The setlist, expertly curated, simply could not have been more perfect. That night, October 13 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena, will forever resonate within, a melodic memory that time will not fade.
