I debated all day about going to Saluté tonight. I really wanted to. Steve was playing, of course. I hadn't seen Steve play for several months now, and I really needed a fix. Especially considering his condition these days. On the other hand, my lazy nature prefers for me to sit at home watching movies or listening to music.

In the end, my love of music won out and I dragged my lazy ass over to N. St. Mary's Street just in time to greet Steve and the boys in the parking lot and wish them the best. And the best is what they gave the crowd.

Those who have never seen Steve play may not really understand this. Those lucky few who have, well, you should have been there.

Steve (Esteban) Jordan is 70 years old now, and battling cancer. He is in constant pain. He spends most of his time resting these days. If he had his way, he'd be over at The Coast fishing every day of the week. But every Friday he returns to Saluté and does what he was born to do. He plays the accordion. He sings, too, and puts on a hell of a show.

I've been following Steve Jordan for several years now, and had the pleasure of seeing him perform at his peak. But do you know what? His performances these days are no less electifying, no less astounding. While I may have always marveled at his speed and energy, I now marvel at his musicality, his genius. What he has lost in dexterity and endurance he has made up for in creativity and spontaneity. Instead of wondering, "How does he do that?," I now wonder "How does he come up with that?"

The genre is one that many do not know or understand, Tejano Conjunto. I happened to grow up with this music, so I get it. But Steve is so much more than Tejano that music lovers of all stripes have come to love and admire his music.

I'm glad I dragged myself over to Saluté tonight. Anyone from within spitting distance of San Antonio should make it a point to do the same one Friday fairly soon. I really don't know how many more of these shows we will have the honor of having.